egoism

noun

ego·​ism ˈē-gə-ˌwi-zəm How to pronounce egoism (audio)
-gō-ˌi-,
 also  ˈe-
1
a
: a doctrine that individual self-interest is the actual motive of all conscious action
b
: a doctrine that individual self-interest is the valid end of all actions
2
: excessive concern for oneself with or without exaggerated feelings of self-importance compare egotism sense 2

Examples of egoism in a Sentence

because of her egoism, she never gave a thought to asking how the others felt
Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Psychological egoism is at play here, too, with Jimmy’s extreme emotional investment in getting Grace help. Ben Rosenstock, Vulture, 23 Oct. 2024 Orwell feared those who would deprive us of information, Huxley feared those who would give us so much that we would be reduced to passivity and egoism. Sean Illing, Vox, 11 Aug. 2024 Instead, Trump is motivated primarily by mercantilist instincts and egoism. Victor Cha, Foreign Affairs, 26 June 2024 The pain, the social climbing, the lack of ethics, and the post-war, orgiastic egoism are what the work is really about. Christian Lewis, Variety, 26 Apr. 2024 See all Example Sentences for egoism 

Word History

First Known Use

1800, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of egoism was in 1800

Dictionary Entries Near egoism

Cite this Entry

“Egoism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/egoism. Accessed 15 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

egoism

noun
ego·​ism ˈē-gə-ˌwiz-əm How to pronounce egoism (audio)
: excessive interest in oneself : a self-centered attitude
egoist
-wəst
noun
egoistic
ˌē-gə-ˈwis-tik
adjective
egoistically
-ˈwis-ti-k(ə-)lē
adverb

Medical Definition

egoism

noun
ego·​ism
ˈē-gə-ˌwiz-əm also ˈeg-ə-
1
a
: a doctrine that individual self-interest is the actual motive of all conscious action
b
: a doctrine that individual self-interest is the valid end of all actions
2
: excessive concern for oneself without exaggerated feelings of self-importance compare egotism
egoist noun
egoistic
ˌē-gə-ˈwis-tik also ˌeg-ə-
adjective
also egoistical
egoistically adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on egoism

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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