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

Scott Barclay, Managing Director of Insight Partners, a global venture capital and growth equity firm, sees relationship dynamics with health plans driving hospital self-interest and self-preservation. —Seth Joseph, Forbes, 17 Dec. 2024

Acting out of self-interest and self-preservation while using virtuous language hardly is an unknown thing in the arts, especially these past few years. —Chris Jones, New York Daily News, 17 Dec. 2024

Moreover, the narrative suggests that isolation and languishing in one’s self-interest frequently breeds the rot of morality. —Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 11 Dec. 2024

Jordan is a creature of pure instinctual self-interest who says whatever the person in front of him wants to hear with no consistency from moment to moment. —Katie Rife, Vulture, 10 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1595, in the meaning defined at sense 2

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