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

Women both lead and cast their votes in a way that's bigger than their own self-interest. —Marianne Schnall, Forbes, 1 Nov. 2024

Bolton’s take seems more accurate: Trump’s views, which combine longstanding authoritarian impulses with politically convenient positions of more recent vintage, do not reflect any unifying principle other than self-interest. —Jacob Sullum, Orange County Register, 31 Oct. 2024

The truth is there, but its concealment arises from what makes testimony imprecise and evidence incomplete—namely, the failure to account for the personalities and self-interest of its observers, for the subjectivity that stands in the way of objective fact. —Richard Brody, The New Yorker, 30 Oct. 2024

But do the Grammys really want people voting who are that shallow and motivated only by narrow self-interest? —Paul Grein, Billboard, 22 Oct. 2024

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