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

He has little patience for selfishness or opportunism.

From BBC ● Jul. 31, 2026

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

“First of all, I’ve served this party for a long time. I don’t do it out of selfishness, by any means,” she said at a Saturday gathering where she provided breakfast burritos to delegates.

From Los Angeles Times ● Feb. 21, 2026

Now she is made the happiest being that ever was looked on, and so much affection in her nature as will secure her from selfishness.

From "Charles and Emma: The Darwins' Leap of Faith" by Deborah Heiligman

Related Words

• greed
• self-indulgence