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
If our natural intelligence remains shackled by self-interest and division, then the logical, compassionate actions of AI, unburdened by human interests, political agendas and personal flaws, might be preferable.
—
Cornelia C. Walther, Forbes.com, 26 July 2025
That choice is one of the starkest demonstrations that the regime’s priority of narrow self-interest over the global good won’t be changing anytime soon.
—Michael Schuman, The Atlantic, 24 July 2025
In a world that increasingly fosters self-interest and social isolation, gospel points me toward something more intimate, more collective.
—Santi Elijah Holley, New York Times, 22 July 2025
All are motivated by self-interest and jockeying for position in the wake of the Trump presidency, looking to see who can be most effective at blocking the Republican president.
—Joe Battenfeld, Boston Herald, 19 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for self-interest
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Cornelia C. Walther, Forbes.com, 26 July 2025
That choice is one of the starkest demonstrations that the regime’s priority of narrow self-interest over the global good won’t be changing anytime soon.
—Michael Schuman, The Atlantic, 24 July 2025
In a world that increasingly fosters self-interest and social isolation, gospel points me toward something more intimate, more collective.
—Santi Elijah Holley, New York Times, 22 July 2025
All are motivated by self-interest and jockeying for position in the wake of the Trump presidency, looking to see who can be most effective at blocking the Republican president.
—Joe Battenfeld, Boston Herald, 19 July 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 1 Aug. 2025.
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