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

• 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

At times, the longing can feel insatiable, and can force people to act in ways that are entirely against their own self-interest. —Nicholas Florko, The Atlantic, 1 Aug. 2025

Its creation reflected not just morality, but also the practical fears and self-interests of nations. —Stephen Herzog, The Conversation, 1 Aug. 2025

There’s even a mayor (played hilariously by George Wallace) who attempts to sweep imminent danger under the rug out of economic self-interest. —Jesse David Fox, Vulture, 30 July 2025

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

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