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. )

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

selflessness

Hearing more about Carlos’ selflessness has rubbed off on Bustillos, according to his mom, Vanessa.

From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 30, 2026

So what exactly happened with the leaks, and what do Tuchel's pointed comments about selflessness tell us about what he wants from England's culture?

From BBC ● May 22, 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 city is ruled by a council of fifty people, composed entirely of representatives from Abnegation, because our faction is regarded as incorruptible, due to our commitment to selflessness.

From "Divergent" by Veronica Roth

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Related Words

• benevolence
• humanitarianism
• kindness

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