selfish

American  

[sel-fish] / ˈsɛl fɪʃ /

adjective

1. devoted to or caring only for oneself; concerned primarily with one's own interests, benefits, welfare, etc., regardless of others.

   Synonyms:

   stingy, parsimonious, illiberal, egoistic, self-seeking, self-interested

2. characterized by or manifesting concern or care only for oneself.

   selfish motives.

---

selfish British  

/ ˈsɛlfɪʃ /

adjective

1. chiefly concerned with one's own interest, advantage, etc, esp to the total exclusion of the interests of others

2. relating to or characterized by self-interest

---

Other Word Forms

• selfishly adverb
• selfishness noun

Etymology

Origin of selfish

First recorded in 1630–40; self + -ish ¹

Compare meaning

How does selfish compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• selfish vs. selfless
• selfish vs. self-seeking
• narcissist vs. selfish

Example Sentences

“Don’t be selfish, Lexie. The business, which is going to pay for our rent and groceries, is obviously more important than your swim, or your little essay. Get your priorities straight.”

From Literature

He was selfish and vain and hurtling faster than ever toward his destiny in Pain.

From Literature

Eventually, I had to become selfish and shut him out, so that he could get help because only he could be the one to seek help.

From BBC

As for juggling a full-time job and her baking, it's her selfish way of wanting to have it all.

From BBC

Salah possessed the selfish, ruthless streak that is common among all the greats, but the assists figure alone demonstrates he was also a team contributor.

From BBC

Related Words

• egotistical
• greedy
• narcissistic
• self-centered