self-interest

American  

[self-in-trist, self-, -in-ter-ist] / ˌsɛlfˈɪn trɪst, ˈsɛlf-, -ˈɪn tər ɪst /

noun

1. regard for one's own interest or advantage, especially with disregard for others.

   He appears to be motivated solely by self-interest, greed, and an insatiable hunger for self-aggrandizement.

2. personal interest or advantage.

   It is particularly hard to understand why a group would vote against its own self-interest.

3. Economics. the doctrine that acting to one’s own benefit or advantage can also result in a benefit for society at large.

   Adam Smith believed that individuals pursuing rational self-interest would create wealth through efficient production and competition.

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self-interest British  

noun

1. one's personal interest or advantage

2. the act or an instance of pursuing one's own interest

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Other Word Forms

• self-interestedness
  noun
• self-interested
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of self-interest

First recorded in 1640–50

Compare meaning

How does self-interest compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• self-interest vs. selfishness

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

self-interest

“It becomes in your own economic self-interest to use as much water as you can,” he said.

From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 26, 2026

Impacted companies also do much of the investigative legwork, out of necessity and self-interest.

From Slate ● Jul. 22, 2026

Political scientists commonly believe economics is the predominant political issue for most people, and they view it from the perspective of their own self-interest.

From Salon ● Jul. 5, 2026

But the authors’ self-interest can dilute the perception of objectivity.

From Barron's ● Apr. 7, 2026

But Madison the slaveholder was ruled by fear and self-interest.

From "In the Shadow of Liberty" by Kenneth C. Davis

Related Words

• arrogance
• egotism
• narcissism
• self-confidence
• selfishness