egoism

noun

ego·​ism ˈē-gə-ˌwi-zəm 

-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

Synonyms

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

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

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

Word History

First Known Use

1800, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Kids Definition

egoism

noun

ego·​ism ˈē-gə-ˌwiz-əm 

: 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

-wəst 

noun

egoistic

ˌē-gə-ˈwis-tik also ˌeg-ə-

adjective

also egoistical

-ti-kəl 

egoistically

-ti-k(ə-)lē 

adverb