Synonyms

selfishness

American

[sel-fish-nis] / ˈsɛl fɪʃ nɪs /

noun

the quality or state of caring only for oneself or one’s own interests.

The author rants at length about the selfishness and general disregard for others that he sees at the root of modern society.

Etymology

Origin of selfishness

selfish ( def. ) + -ness ( def. )

Compare meaning

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

self-interest vs. selfishness

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Selfishness would come into play if you let those feelings you’re experiencing prevent you from providing the support you can now, as opposed to interrogating Kayla about why she didn’t choose to reach out herself.

From Slate • Jul. 23, 2021

Selfishness isn’t the exclusive property of one class or political party or identity category.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 14, 2021

Selfishness is not the violation of his standards; it is the fulfillment of his creed.

From Washington Post • Dec. 21, 2020

Selfishness was its own form of courage, and in fact was, within reason, exactly the kind of courage that he had in mind.

From The New Yorker • Aug. 22, 2019

“More than that. I can’t think of the word for it. Selfishness, I guess. It’s creeping in.”

From "Messenger" by Lois Lowry

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023