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

See Examples For:

selflessness

The man who gave up his seat for Burnham - and who was praised for his "selflessness" by the new Makerfield MP, in a speech to supporters on Friday morning.

From BBC ● Jun. 19, 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

It will require a great act of selflessness to choose Abnegation, or a great act of courage to choose Dauntless, and maybe just choosing one over the other will prove that I belong.

From "Divergent" by Veronica Roth

Related Words

• benevolence
• humanitarianism
• kindness