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-interestedly
adverb
self-interestedness
noun
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
His unlawful actions have subverted the justice system, violated the separation of powers, and placed personal power and self-interest above public service.
—
Khaleda Rahman, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 May 2025
Ironically, too, for the first offseason in well over a decade, the organization’s actual self-interest and penchant for reckless, all-in swings in pursuit of immediate gratification are actually aligned.
—Thomas Drance, New York Times, 30 Apr. 2025
Smith had promoted laissez-faire economics which contended a wide range of things, including the individual pursuit of self-interest, minimum government intervention in the economy, the value of competition, the belief in self-regulating free markets, and free trade.
— Made By History, Time, 28 Apr. 2025
Expecting people with personal benefits at stake to sublimate that self-interest is unreasonable.
—Nate Bennett, Forbes.com, 28 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for self-interest
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Khaleda Rahman, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 May 2025
Ironically, too, for the first offseason in well over a decade, the organization’s actual self-interest and penchant for reckless, all-in swings in pursuit of immediate gratification are actually aligned.
—Thomas Drance, New York Times, 30 Apr. 2025
Smith had promoted laissez-faire economics which contended a wide range of things, including the individual pursuit of self-interest, minimum government intervention in the economy, the value of competition, the belief in self-regulating free markets, and free trade.
— Made By History, Time, 28 Apr. 2025
Expecting people with personal benefits at stake to sublimate that self-interest is unreasonable.
—Nate Bennett, Forbes.com, 28 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for self-interest
Cite this Entry
“Self-interest.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/self-interest. Accessed 9 May. 2025.
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