unselfish

[ uhn-sel-fish ]

adjective

1. not selfish; disinterested; generous; altruistic.

unselfish

/ ʌnˈsɛlfɪʃ /

adjective

1. not selfish or greedy; generous

Derived Forms

• unˈselfishness, noun
• unˈselfishly, adverb

Other Words From

• un·selfish·ly adverb
• un·selfish·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of unselfish¹

First recorded in 1690–1700; un- ¹ + selfish

Example Sentences

When Albert Einstein wrote an obituary for Emmy Noether in 1935, he described her as a “creative mathematical genius” who – despite “unselfish, significant work over a period of many years” – did not get the recognition she deserved.

From No Straight News

He’s so unselfish that he will defer, but we need him to be the guy that he can be.

From FiveThirtyEight

Coach Scott Brooks praised his team for its unselfish offense.

From Washington Post

You can see how dangerous we are when we’re just being unselfish, learning where everybody is at and making plays for each other.

From Washington Post

She’s an unselfish player, wants you to do well, and that’s what makes her special.

From FiveThirtyEight

Have you ever in your life met a child as cheerful, spookily intelligent, unselfish, or indomitable as little Shirley?

From The Daily Beast

Most Americans--most normal, decent, unselfish Americans--are for it.

From The Daily Beast

People say giving is an unselfish act,” says Arsht in a telephone interview, “but the joy you get from giving is so exciting.

From The Daily Beast

Bailey was the most unselfish man I ever knew; the readiest to help others.

From Project Gutenberg

Another glimpse of d'Arthez is as the unselfish friend of Marie Gaston, a young poet of his stamp, but "effeminate."

From Project Gutenberg

Thus the first rule for a graceful manner is unselfish consideration of others.

From Project Gutenberg

Mrs Trevor and Fanny, themselves filled with grief, still used all their unselfish endeavours to comfort their dear boys.

From Project Gutenberg

Mary Jane Wilks, you know me for your friend, and for your unselfish friend, too.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• generous
• noble
• self-effacing
• selfless