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 of self-interest

• selfishness
• selfness
• vanity
• ego
• egoism

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

Lost in all of the self-interest is the only thing that horse racing has going for it. — Dana O’Neil, CNN Money, 5 Aug. 2026

Yet Smith never treated short-term self-interest as the sole or overriding goal. — Steve Denning, Forbes.com, 2 Aug. 2026

Our own agenda, our own feelings, our own pride, our own self-interest. — Jayson Jenks, New York Times, 31 July 2026

Characters make choices that go against their own self-interest. — Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 22 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1595, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Rhymes for self-interest

• abreast
• accessed
• addressed
• appressed
• armrest
• arrest
• assessed
• attest
• backrest
• behest
• bequest
• caressed

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