selfless
Americanadjective
adjective
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of selfless
Compare meaning
How does selfless compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:
Explanation
When you're being selfless, you're thinking of other people before yourself. Selfless is the opposite of selfish. If you're selfless, you think less about your self, and more about others — you're generous and kind. Being selfless is similar to being altruistic — another word for giving to others without looking for personal gain. If you give time, money, or things to other people without expecting something in return, that's selfless. Most people would agree that the world would be a better place if there were more selfless behavior.
Vocabulary lists containing selfless
Giving Words
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'Tis The Season: Words For Giving
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You're Too Kind! Synonyms for "Generous"
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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.
He may charge a fortune, but he’s the most selfless character in the play and seemingly the most cultivated human being.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 21, 2026
One might prefer the selfless virtue exemplified by Washington, the yeoman simplicity imagined by Jefferson.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 17, 2026
As he talks about how his film has both stayed true to its ancient source and speaks to today, Nolan is simultaneously enthused and sure of himself in a selfless way.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 7, 2026
"We are filling the workforce shortage and easing the waiting lists for procedures, because of our relentless, selfless, kind services supporting the community to get the proper care on time."
From BBC ● Jun. 14, 2026
I thought he was reassuring her, because that’s what selfless people do, but now I wonder if he was repeating something he had studied; if all his Abnegation tendencies were just Erudite traits in disguise.
From "Divergent" by Veronica Roth
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
