selfless

adjective

self·​less ˈsel-fləs How to pronounce selfless (audio)
Synonyms of selflessnext
: having no concern for self : unselfish
selflessly adverb
selflessness noun

Examples of selfless in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
There is no doubt that more lives would have been lost if not for Ahmed’s selfless courage. Laura Sharman, CNN Money, 15 Dec. 2025 His leadership is through selfless play. Charles Baggarly, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 11 Dec. 2025 Eight people inside the home were able to escape thanks to the selfless actions of not one but two local heroes. Chandler Lutz, CBS News, 11 Dec. 2025 Certainly, seeing a grandchild grow to be an accomplished adult ready to manifest their dreams should be selfless, but at what cost? David John Chávez, Mercury News, 3 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for selfless

Word History

First Known Use

1651, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of selfless was in 1651

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Selfless.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/selfless. Accessed 21 Dec. 2025.

Kids Definition

selfless

adjective
self·​less ˈsel-fləs How to pronounce selfless (audio)
: having no concern for self : unselfish
selflessly adverb
selflessness noun

More from Merriam-Webster on selfless

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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