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
Countries give foreign aid for both altruistic and self-interested reasons.
—
Sarah Stroup, The Conversation, 19 Mar. 2025
Zimmerman had argued that while the defendant in his case, William Gregory — charged with drug possession, criminal trespass and shoplifting— had clearly acted out of self-interest and that the vaccine was for the societal good and indicative of Gregory’s rehabilitation.
—Rocco Parascandola, New York Daily News, 17 Mar. 2025
In this madcap tale of whistleblower Mark Whitacre (Matt Damon), there are no heroes; the satire focuses on American self-interests that stretch beyond the agri-industry powerhouse that Whitcare exposes.
—David Ehrlich, IndieWire, 14 Mar. 2025
Of course, the global elites who invited war between Hamas and Israel laugh at Trump’s vision for a peace built on self-interest.
—Frank Miele, Orlando Sentinel, 13 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for self-interest
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Sarah Stroup, The Conversation, 19 Mar. 2025
Zimmerman had argued that while the defendant in his case, William Gregory — charged with drug possession, criminal trespass and shoplifting— had clearly acted out of self-interest and that the vaccine was for the societal good and indicative of Gregory’s rehabilitation.
—Rocco Parascandola, New York Daily News, 17 Mar. 2025
In this madcap tale of whistleblower Mark Whitacre (Matt Damon), there are no heroes; the satire focuses on American self-interests that stretch beyond the agri-industry powerhouse that Whitcare exposes.
—David Ehrlich, IndieWire, 14 Mar. 2025
Of course, the global elites who invited war between Hamas and Israel laugh at Trump’s vision for a peace built on self-interest.
—Frank Miele, Orlando Sentinel, 13 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 25 Mar. 2025.
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