self-interest

noun

self-in·​ter·​est ˌself-ˈin-t(ə-)rəst How to pronounce self-interest (audio)
-ˈin-tə-ˌrest,
-ˌtrest;
-ˈin-tərst
1
: a concern for one's own advantage and well-being
acted out of self-interest and fear
2
: one's own interest or advantage
self-interest requires that we be generous in foreign aid
self-interested
ˌself-ˈin-t(ə-)rə-stəd How to pronounce self-interest (audio)
-ˈin-tə-ˌre-
-ˈin-ˌtre-;
-ˈin-tər-
adjective
self-interestedly adverb
self-interestedness noun

Examples of self-interest in a Sentence

her degree of self-interest is perhaps best reflected in her favorite topic of conversation—herself
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
America has had a longstanding self-interest in being a stable democracy, for example, because the attractiveness of its model of government confers advantages. Penny Abeywardena, Forbes, 22 Feb. 2025 As Republicans seek to demolish the agency, its defenders should appeal to a higher principle than self-interest. Maany Peyvan, The Atlantic, 12 Feb. 2025 To Trump, a great nation is not one that leads the world, but one that ignores its suffering in pursuit of self-interest. Ross Rosenfeld, Newsweek, 7 Feb. 2025 Only a less delusional motivation, a larger conception of self-interest, can move the world in a less delusional direction. Winslow Myers, Twin Cities, 7 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for self-interest

Word History

First Known Use

1595, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of self-interest was in 1595

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Cite this Entry

“Self-interest.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/self-interest. Accessed 27 Feb. 2025.

Kids Definition

self-interest

noun
self-in·​ter·​est
ˈsel-ˈfin-trəst,
-ˈfint-ə-rəst
1
: a concern for one's own advantage
acted out of self-interest and fear
2
: one's own interest or advantage

More from Merriam-Webster on self-interest

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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