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

The author argues that contemporary American business and government leaders are fundamentally characterized by an absence of character, which the author defines as steadfastness, selflessness, self-sacrifice, honesty, and integrity in dealings with others.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 19, 2026

His personality was marked by a strong sense of duty, humility, and selflessness.

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

"Our lifeguards show selflessness every day in keeping our world-famous beaches safe for surfers and swimmers, but what we saw on Sunday night should be commended and celebrated," he said.

From Barron's • Dec. 20, 2025

He also inherited my mother’s talent for selflessness.

From "Divergent" by Veronica Roth

Related Words

• benevolence
• humanitarianism
• kindness