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

Or why people do things that go against their self-interest and are susceptible to the lure of a cult. —Nina Metz, Chicago Tribune, 16 Jan. 2025

Gi-hun sees it as a curse — a reminder of all the lives lost out of greed and self-interest. —Tony Maglio, IndieWire, 16 Jan. 2025

Here, a glimmer of optimism at last appears via one lawyer’s virtuous rejection of self-interest. —A.a. Dowd, Vulture, 13 Jan. 2025

Leaders often fail to slow down to understand others’ perspectives, instead driving their own self-interest for the initiative at hand. —Samantha Tassone, Forbes, 9 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