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

Move to even-year elections or be remembered as the council that chose self-interest over democracy. —Dp Opinion, The Denver Post, 4 Mar. 2025

Each level in the organization has a different self-interest. —Jay Sullivan, Forbes, 1 Mar. 2025

Yet, the president of the United States is going to reverse decades of U.S. policy and disregard the self-interests of the United States and its allies to throw Putin a lifeline — indeed, reward him — for his aggression and crimes against humanity. —Tom Zirpoli, Baltimore Sun, 25 Feb. 2025

America has had a longstanding self-interest in being a stable democracy, for example, because the attractiveness of its model of government confers advantages. —Penny Abeywardena, Forbes, 22 Feb. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1595, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Rhymes for self-interest

• abreast
• accessed
• addressed
• appressed
• armrest
• arrest
• assessed
• attest
• backrest
• behest
• bequest
• caressed

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