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
Notably, the necessity and value of domestic labor was absent from his reflections on men acting in their own self-interest.
—
Katie Gatti Tassin, Time, 10 June 2025
Kissinger believed that power stemmed from a combination of economic strength, diplomatic influence, national self-interests, and military deterrence—but most importantly, the perception of resolve and strategic consistency.
—Matt Robison, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 June 2025
There is no situation where a constituent should have the slightest concern that their lawmaker is acting in their personal self-interest rather than the interest of their constituents.
—Orlando Sentinel, The Orlando Sentinel, 3 June 2025
The overwhelming amount of IRA spending for factories and everything is going into red districts, so there’s just the basic economic self-interest of Republicans in those districts.
—Alan Ohnsman, Forbes.com, 2 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for self-interest
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Katie Gatti Tassin, Time, 10 June 2025
Kissinger believed that power stemmed from a combination of economic strength, diplomatic influence, national self-interests, and military deterrence—but most importantly, the perception of resolve and strategic consistency.
—Matt Robison, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 June 2025
There is no situation where a constituent should have the slightest concern that their lawmaker is acting in their personal self-interest rather than the interest of their constituents.
—Orlando Sentinel, The Orlando Sentinel, 3 June 2025
The overwhelming amount of IRA spending for factories and everything is going into red districts, so there’s just the basic economic self-interest of Republicans in those districts.
—Alan Ohnsman, Forbes.com, 2 June 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 16 Jun. 2025.
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