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-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
Purposeful leaders transcend self-interest and instead articulate a vision that inspires others to commit, contribute, and thrive.
—
Brent Gleeson, Forbes.com, 28 Mar. 2025
Mike Waltz was right about one thing: Ending Red Sea Houthi attacks is in America's self-interest
Nearly 10 million student loan borrowers risk credit hit due to late payments
Gas prices vary in different states throughout the country.
—Washington Examiner Staff, The Washington Examiner, 28 Mar. 2025
Protectionism is a utopian theory based on the assumptions that individuals and businesses will act contrary to their self-interest, government will act in the national interest, and special interests will stay on the sidelines.
—Caroline Downey, National Review, 27 Mar. 2025
Trump’s tariffs Finally, populist ideas rather than oligarchic self-interest are clearly the motivating factor behind Trump’s highest-risk move: the great tariff experiment.
—Ross Douthat, Mercury News, 25 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for self-interest
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Brent Gleeson, Forbes.com, 28 Mar. 2025
Mike Waltz was right about one thing: Ending Red Sea Houthi attacks is in America's self-interest
Nearly 10 million student loan borrowers risk credit hit due to late payments
Gas prices vary in different states throughout the country.
—Washington Examiner Staff, The Washington Examiner, 28 Mar. 2025
Protectionism is a utopian theory based on the assumptions that individuals and businesses will act contrary to their self-interest, government will act in the national interest, and special interests will stay on the sidelines.
—Caroline Downey, National Review, 27 Mar. 2025
Trump’s tariffs Finally, populist ideas rather than oligarchic self-interest are clearly the motivating factor behind Trump’s highest-risk move: the great tariff experiment.
—Ross Douthat, Mercury News, 25 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for self-interest
Cite this Entry
“Self-interest.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/self-interest. Accessed 5 Apr. 2025.
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