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

Victoria Police Chief Commissioner Mike Bush said Paton had "served with distinction for 16 years" and will be remembered for his "selflessness, amazing sense of humour, extreme kindness and inclusion of all".

From BBC ● May 22, 2026

The author argues that contemporary American business and government leaders are fundamentally characterized by an absence of character, which the author defines as steadfastness, selflessness, self-sacrifice, honesty, and integrity in dealings with others.

From Los Angeles Times ● Feb. 19, 2026

His personality was marked by a strong sense of duty, humility, and selflessness.

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

“Yes, my dear. I didn’t think such selflessness existed in mortals...especially in demigods. No offense.”

From "The Mark of Athena" by Rick Riordan

Related Words

• benevolence
• humanitarianism
• kindness