selflessness

American  

[self-lis-nis] / ˈsɛlf lɪs nɪs /

noun

1. lack of preoccupation with one’s own interests, advancement, desires, etc., and attentiveness to those of others; unselfishness.

   Playing volleyball taught me the value of teamwork, discipline, and selflessness, which can all be applied in the classroom in helping others.

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Etymology

Origin of selflessness

selfless ( def. ) + -ness ( def. )

Example Sentences

Victoria Police Chief Commissioner Mike Bush said Paton had "served with distinction for 16 years" and will be remembered for his "selflessness, amazing sense of humour, extreme kindness and inclusion of all".

From BBC • May 22, 2026

Working in perfect unison, the Lakers showed every component they spent the season searching for: Doncic powering the offense, Reaves finishing it, Ayton’s motor and, at the center, James’ selflessness.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 13, 2026

What modern historians know is that selflessness didn’t come effortlessly to Washington.

From Slate • Feb. 16, 2026

Mixing American history with wild fabulation, and parental grief with Buddhist spirituality, the book’s weirdness and originality helped smuggle through its schmaltzy moralizing about selflessness and empathy.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 23, 2026

The flame that had burned in Mercy’s eyes had such purity, such complete selflessness, that everything Kit had ever known seemed dim in its light.

From "The Witch of Blackbird Pond" by Elizabeth George Speare

Related Words

• benevolence
• humanitarianism
• kindness