selfishness

American  

[sel-fish-nis] / ˈsɛl fɪʃ nɪs /

noun

1. the quality or state of caring only for oneself or one’s own interests.

   The author rants at length about the selfishness and general disregard for others that he sees at the root of modern society.

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Etymology

Origin of selfishness

selfish ( def. ) + -ness ( def. )

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Compare meaning

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

• self-interest vs. selfishness

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

selfishness

It helps you draw boundaries without being held hostage to accusations of selfishness.

From MarketWatch ● Oct. 8, 2026

He preaches selfishness instead of selflessness, avarice instead of charity and going after the least of us instead of raising them up.

From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 26, 2026

Our selfishness, she continues, is the reason capitalism works.

From Salon ● Apr. 23, 2026

He wrote in his autobiography that they had split because she had "enough of the absentee husband, enough of the selfishness and the black moods".

From BBC ● Mar. 23, 2026

I did fret over his safety, but it was pure and sinful selfishness that wet my eyes at night.

From "Hattie Big Sky" by Kirby Larson

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Related Words

• greed
• self-indulgence

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