self-interest

noun

self-in·​ter·​est ˌself-ˈin-t(ə-)rəst 

-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 

-ˈin-tə-ˌre-

-ˈin-ˌtre-;

-ˈin-tər-

adjective

self-interestedly adverb

self-interestedness noun

Synonyms

• egocentricity
• egocentrism
• egoism
• egomania
• egotism
• narcissism
• navel-gazing
• self-absorption
• self-centeredness
• self-concern
• self-involvement
• self-preoccupation
• self-regard
• selfishness
• selfness

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

Believes in Being a Team Player A sign of a potentially good parent is someone who puts their self-interests aside and focuses on the well-being of others, says Chicvak. —Michelle Felder, Lcsw, Parents, 30 Jan. 2025

Boohoo, for its part, has been arguing that Frasers is acting in its own commercial self-interest and not in the interests of its shareholders. —Robert Olsen, Forbes, 23 Jan. 2025

Too often, their political self-preservation takes precedence over their community’s self-interest. —Juan Rangel, Twin Cities, 22 Jan. 2025

But that's just Trump's political nature, where ideology always bends to self-interest. —Raul A. Reyes, Newsweek, 22 Jan. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1595, in the meaning defined at sense 2

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