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
For other countries, this coincidence of self-interest and multilateralism—previously a defining characteristic of U.S. hegemony—is vital for sustaining international cooperation.
—
Ngaire Woods, Foreign Affairs, 22 Apr. 2025
Much of this work is done out of economic self-interest.
—Elizabeth Weise, USA Today, 22 Apr. 2025
The catalyst is a shift back to international economic policies driven by narrow self-interest—a fundamental change that will have lasting implications.
—Ross Rosenfeld, MSNBC Newsweek, 22 Apr. 2025
Rather than investing in sustainable renewable energy alternatives, Mexico will necessarily be committing for decades to support LNG export and its infrastructure — a time frame at war with Mexico’s urgent self-interest in energy security and climate action.
—Joel Reynolds, San Diego Union-Tribune, 22 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for self-interest
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Ngaire Woods, Foreign Affairs, 22 Apr. 2025
Much of this work is done out of economic self-interest.
—Elizabeth Weise, USA Today, 22 Apr. 2025
The catalyst is a shift back to international economic policies driven by narrow self-interest—a fundamental change that will have lasting implications.
—Ross Rosenfeld, MSNBC Newsweek, 22 Apr. 2025
Rather than investing in sustainable renewable energy alternatives, Mexico will necessarily be committing for decades to support LNG export and its infrastructure — a time frame at war with Mexico’s urgent self-interest in energy security and climate action.
—Joel Reynolds, San Diego Union-Tribune, 22 Apr. 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 May. 2025.
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