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.
One might prefer the selfless virtue exemplified by Washington, the yeoman simplicity imagined by Jefferson.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 17, 2026
Turner’s family members describe him as an extremely hardworking and selfless person.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 9, 2026
Every day with us, he showed that selfless nature.
From BBC ● Jul. 3, 2026
Musk spent three days on the stand portraying himself as a selfless benefactor seeking to reconcile the advancement of AI with the preservation of humanity.
From Barron's ● May 14, 2026
Usually I would try to decide what the most selfless choice would be, but in this case either choice feels selfish.
From "Allegiant" 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.
