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

His selfishness ran counterintuitive to the label’s ethos, which Faith Evans described as being familial. —Jayson Rodriguez, Variety, 18 Nov. 2024

But that would just be a less destructive version of Bezos’s selfishness. —Franklin Foer, The Atlantic, 29 Oct. 2024

Cassie McCarthy, a licensed clinical social worker specializing in relational dynamics, added that reframing selfishness is key. —Jason Fields, Newsweek, 4 Dec. 2024

Compared to the rest of the world’s peoples, Americans lead the planet in selfishness. —K. Ward Cummings, Baltimore Sun, 10 Nov. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1628, in the meaning defined above