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
The most important reason for most medical interventions, as Singer acknowledges, is the financial self-interest of those who benefit from the regulations.
—
John C. Goodman, Forbes.com, 12 May 2025
Crypto is a conduit for the self-interest that has defined Trump’s entire political career—an M.O. that has consistently blurred the boundary between public and private, country and party.
—Will Gottsegen, The Atlantic, 9 May 2025
More optimistic analysts pointed to Alphabet’s own AI innovations, led by Gemini, a strong suite of products, the difference between search queries asked in AI versus traditional search questions and the Apple executive’s own self-interest in his Wednesday remarks.
—Lisa Kailai Han, CNBC, 8 May 2025
Motivated only by strategic self-interest, political leaders and military commanders planned the use of harsh measures against soldiers and people, carefully weighing the advantages and disadvantages.
—Foreign Affairs, 22 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for self-interest
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John C. Goodman, Forbes.com, 12 May 2025
Crypto is a conduit for the self-interest that has defined Trump’s entire political career—an M.O. that has consistently blurred the boundary between public and private, country and party.
—Will Gottsegen, The Atlantic, 9 May 2025
More optimistic analysts pointed to Alphabet’s own AI innovations, led by Gemini, a strong suite of products, the difference between search queries asked in AI versus traditional search questions and the Apple executive’s own self-interest in his Wednesday remarks.
—Lisa Kailai Han, CNBC, 8 May 2025
Motivated only by strategic self-interest, political leaders and military commanders planned the use of harsh measures against soldiers and people, carefully weighing the advantages and disadvantages.
—Foreign Affairs, 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 21 May. 2025.
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