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

Putting aside the issue of Ukraine and the hypocrisy there, is this posture an ideological thing or about self-interest? —Isaac Chotiner, New Yorker, 23 Apr. 2026

Yet a major part of these Indigenous values is the diminished role of the self and self-interest. —Tim Brinkhof, JSTOR Daily, 22 Apr. 2026

What’s more, in Florida, people too often maddeningly vote against their self-interest. —Steve Bousquet, The Orlando Sentinel, 15 Apr. 2026

What’s more, in Florida, people too often maddeningly vote against their self-interest. —Steve Bousquet, Sun Sentinel, 11 Apr. 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