selfishness

noun

self·​ish·​ness ˈsel-fish-nəs 

: 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

Synonyms

• egocentricity
• egocentrism
• egoism
• egomania
• egotism
• narcissism
• navel-gazing
• self-absorption
• self-centeredness
• self-concern
• self-interest
• self-involvement
• self-preoccupation
• self-regard
• selfness

Examples of selfishness in a Sentence

the only reason for constantly ignoring everyone else's problems is selfishness

Recent Examples on the Web

Cassie McCarthy, a licensed clinical social worker specializing in relational dynamics, added that reframing selfishness is key. —Jason Fields, Newsweek, 4 Dec. 2024

Compared to the rest of the world’s peoples, Americans lead the planet in selfishness. —K. Ward Cummings, Baltimore Sun, 10 Nov. 2024

Not quite a love story, theirs — with its paired selfishness — is a common, realist tragedy. —Armond White, National Review, 30 Oct. 2024

Was all this actually vanity and delusion, selfishness masquerading as morality? —Manvir Singh, The New Yorker, 9 Sep. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1628, in the meaning defined above