selfless

[ self-lis ]

/ ˈsɛlf lɪs /

Save This Word!

See synonyms for selfless on Thesaurus.com

adjective

having little or no concern for oneself, especially with regard to fame, position, money, etc.; unselfish.

QUIZ

SPRINT TO THE FINISH WITH THIS OLYMPICS QUIZ!

Compete in our Olympics quiz to see if you can take home the gold medal in Olympics knowledge.

Question 1 of 10

Where was the Olympics first held?

ancient Rome

ancient Greece

ancient Persia

TAKE THE QUIZ TO FIND OUT

Meet Grammar Coach

Write or paste your essay, email, or story into Grammar Coach and get grammar help

Improve Your Writing

Meet Grammar CoachImprove Your Writing

Origin of selfless

First recorded in 1815–25; self + -less

OTHER WORDS FROM selfless

self·less·ly, adverbself·less·ness, noun

How to use selfless in a sentence

I want to personally thank Jordan’s parents, Marty and Tonya, for their selfless leadership in partnering with the University of Maryland to create something tangible that will educate and positively impact so many.
Maryland approves $3.5 million settlement over Jordan McNair’s death|Emily Giambalvo, Rick Maese|January 27, 2021|Washington Post
At its core, “The Duke and I” is a story of overcoming the shadows of the past, learning how to love oneself and how to truly be selfless.
How ‘Bridgerton’ flipped the script on ‘The Duke and I’|Vanessa Riley|January 12, 2021|Washington Post
He defied death and gravity to selflessly protect New Yorkers until his final moments in the Twin Towers.
The Flying New York Fireman Who Shined on 9/11|Michael Daly|September 11, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Faced with a moping, stony-faced new partner, Beth did not selflessly set aside her own pain to help.
A Perfect 'Walking Dead' Episode|Melissa Leon|March 3, 2014|DAILY BEAST

For generations, physicians have selflessly upheld the pillars of medical ethics; chief among them is patient autonomy.
Gitmo Prisoner Force-Feeding Violates Medical Ethics|Nuriel Moghavem, Marty Makary|July 21, 2013|DAILY BEAST
Busy citizens Pat Moynihan and Laura Messano give selflessly to the Volunteer Center because they care about their community.
Hurricane Sandy Anniversary a Reminder of the Power of Volunteers|Jill W. Iscol|April 29, 2013|DAILY BEAST
Throughout the Libyan revolution, he selflessly served our country and the Libyan people at our mission in Benghazi.
Attacks on American Consulate in Libya kill four, including American Ambassador|Justin Green|September 12, 2012|DAILY BEAST
He fitted himself without explanations, selflessly, with magnificent disinterestedness, into his friend's needs.
The Dark Tower|Phyllis Bottome
All were honest and respected business men, pledged to serve the city faithfully and selflessly.
Port O' Gold|Louis John Stellman
And what she hoped, quite selflessly, was that the temptation would suffice; that he would not go to Althea.
Franklin Kane|Anne Douglas Sedgwick
I love you selflessly, as if I myself were already over the border.
Juliette Drouet's Love-Letters to Victor Hugo|Louis Guimbaud
If we can selflessly confront evil for the sake of good in a land so far away, then surely we can make this land all it should be.
Complete State of the Union Addresses from 1790 to 2006|Various

British Dictionary definitions for selfless

selfless

/ (ˈsɛlflɪs) /

adjective

having little concern for one's own interests

Derived forms of selfless

selflessly, adverbselflessness, noun

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

selfless

Origin of selfless

OTHER WORDS FROM selfless

Words related to selfless

How to use selfless in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for selfless

Derived forms of selfless