selfishness

noun

self·​ish·​ness ˈsel-fish-nəs How to pronounce selfishness (audio)
: the quality or state of being selfish : a concern for one's own welfare or advantage at the expense of or in disregard of others : excessive interest in oneself
We were appalled by the selfishness of their behavior.
Thus most of us are hardwired to conform to a "core morality" that includes protecting our children, dealing more or less fairly with other people, and placing limits on our selfishness.Christopher R. Beha

Examples of selfishness in a Sentence

the only reason for constantly ignoring everyone else's problems is selfishness
Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Like The Substance, there’s a vein of selfishness born from societal powerlessness underpinning the film, here focusing on the unique clash of ultra-modernity and traditionalism experienced in China and Hong Kong at the dawn of the new millennium. Rory Doherty, Vulture, 19 Sep. 2024 Some prosecutors vehemently oppose the claim and say the brothers are spinning a tale to hide their greed and selfishness. Nina Turner, Newsweek, 29 Oct. 2024 The selfishness is bleeding into the defense as well. Brian Sampson, Forbes, 29 Oct. 2024 And those folks are doing them no favors by encouraging selfishness, regardless of the expense to others — including themselves. Judith Martin, The Mercury News, 23 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for selfishness 

Word History

First Known Use

1628, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of selfishness was in 1628

Dictionary Entries Near selfishness

Cite this Entry

“Selfishness.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/selfishness. Accessed 19 Nov. 2024.

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