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

Like The Substance, there’s a vein of selfishness born from societal powerlessness underpinning the film, here focusing on the unique clash of ultra-modernity and traditionalism experienced in China and Hong Kong at the dawn of the new millennium. —Rory Doherty, Vulture, 19 Sep. 2024

Some prosecutors vehemently oppose the claim and say the brothers are spinning a tale to hide their greed and selfishness. —Nina Turner, Newsweek, 29 Oct. 2024

The selfishness is bleeding into the defense as well. —Brian Sampson, Forbes, 29 Oct. 2024

And those folks are doing them no favors by encouraging selfishness, regardless of the expense to others — including themselves. —Judith Martin, The Mercury News, 23 Sep. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1628, in the meaning defined above