self-serving
adjective
self-serv·ing
ˌself-ˈsər-viŋ 
: serving one's own interests often in disregard of the truth or the interests of others
self-servingly
adverb
Examples of self-serving in a Sentence
she's just another self-serving politician who puts her own ambitions above the public good
Recent Examples on the Web
Instead, the Engel-Jackson family is more run-of-the-mill awful — a recognizable pack of self-serving jerks more focused on the appearance of cheer than any real kindness.
—
Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 12 Dec. 2025
Not long after a 27-22 victory over Baltimore on Sunday in which the Pittsburgh Steelers somehow pulled themselves back from the brink, their future Hall of Fame quarterback did what he's done in his unique (if occasionally self-serving) way over and over through the years.
—CBS News, 11 Dec. 2025
Most are snide and strident, petty and self-serving, and their bickersome denunciations turn monotonous in ways that suggest, at times, a less-than-generous deity in the director’s chair.
—Justin Chang, New Yorker, 11 Dec. 2025
But the film is also a surprisingly thoughtful examination of faith and the ease with which genuine, if maybe misguided, belief can be manipulated and used as a self-serving tool.
—Bill Goodykoontz, AZCentral.com, 9 Dec. 2025
Even by the low standards of past presidents — Democrats, including former President Joe Biden, have also abused the power — this spree appears to be egregiously self-serving.
—Bloomberg Opinion, Twin Cities, 27 Nov. 2025
For your own self-serving purposes.
—Alexandra Hutzler, ABC News, 18 Nov. 2025
Lee ignores them, and his self-serving need to fix things and soothe his own sense of injustice leads to sloppiness.
—Kathryn Vanarendonk, Vulture, 10 Nov. 2025
While a dog can be bribed with a squeaky toy and a pig would surely look at the camera when enticed with a sausage on a stick, cats are known for their admirably self-serving demeanors.
—Desiree Anello, PEOPLE, 29 Oct. 2025
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.
Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 12 Dec. 2025
Not long after a 27-22 victory over Baltimore on Sunday in which the Pittsburgh Steelers somehow pulled themselves back from the brink, their future Hall of Fame quarterback did what he's done in his unique (if occasionally self-serving) way over and over through the years.
—CBS News, 11 Dec. 2025
Most are snide and strident, petty and self-serving, and their bickersome denunciations turn monotonous in ways that suggest, at times, a less-than-generous deity in the director’s chair.
—Justin Chang, New Yorker, 11 Dec. 2025
But the film is also a surprisingly thoughtful examination of faith and the ease with which genuine, if maybe misguided, belief can be manipulated and used as a self-serving tool.
—Bill Goodykoontz, AZCentral.com, 9 Dec. 2025
Even by the low standards of past presidents — Democrats, including former President Joe Biden, have also abused the power — this spree appears to be egregiously self-serving.
—Bloomberg Opinion, Twin Cities, 27 Nov. 2025
For your own self-serving purposes.
—Alexandra Hutzler, ABC News, 18 Nov. 2025
Lee ignores them, and his self-serving need to fix things and soothe his own sense of injustice leads to sloppiness.
—Kathryn Vanarendonk, Vulture, 10 Nov. 2025
While a dog can be bribed with a squeaky toy and a pig would surely look at the camera when enticed with a sausage on a stick, cats are known for their admirably self-serving demeanors.
—Desiree Anello, PEOPLE, 29 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Self-serving.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/self-serving. Accessed 24 Dec. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share