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
But even the fact that some of them are inspired to consider helping out makes for significant progress in a world that is governed by survivalism and animalistic self-interest.
—
Jack King, Vulture, 4 Feb. 2026
And what Americans are hearing from their Canadian friends is not just a shock to Canadians’ economic self-interest, although that’s very real, but a puncturing of a kind of pan-national dream that expressed itself at one point through imperialism and at other points in other ways.
—David Frum, The Atlantic, 4 Feb. 2026
As with so much about college football, where self-interest reigns and sanity is scarce, the outcome isn’t ideal but could have been much, much worse.
—Jon Wilner, Mercury News, 23 Jan. 2026
This second theory has inspired lots of research in contemporary psychology, which often sees morality and self-interest as fundamentally opposed.
—Michael Prinzing, The Conversation, 23 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for self-interest
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.
Jack King, Vulture, 4 Feb. 2026
And what Americans are hearing from their Canadian friends is not just a shock to Canadians’ economic self-interest, although that’s very real, but a puncturing of a kind of pan-national dream that expressed itself at one point through imperialism and at other points in other ways.
—David Frum, The Atlantic, 4 Feb. 2026
As with so much about college football, where self-interest reigns and sanity is scarce, the outcome isn’t ideal but could have been much, much worse.
—Jon Wilner, Mercury News, 23 Jan. 2026
This second theory has inspired lots of research in contemporary psychology, which often sees morality and self-interest as fundamentally opposed.
—Michael Prinzing, The Conversation, 23 Jan. 2026
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 6 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
