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. )

Compare meaning

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

• self-interest vs. selfishness

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

selfishness

Or was his quest for power rooted in sheer petty selfishness?

From Slate ● Jul. 13, 2026

Defending his government's policy, Sanchez said the "world does not need more selfishness or more fear. What it needs are countries that show solidarity and want to step forward."

From Barron's ● May 12, 2026

In a town — and a time — of selfishness and self-serving, Reiner was one of the good guys, always fighting, both through his films and his politics, to make the world kinder and closer.

From Los Angeles Times ● Dec. 15, 2025

As the days pass, Grace’s maternal instincts and her human selfishness war.

From Salon ● Nov. 7, 2025

I shook my head, disgusted by Anansi’s selfishness.

From "Tristan Strong Punches a Hole in the Sky" by Kwame Mbalia

Related Words

• greed
• self-indulgence