self-interest

1 of 2

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

self-interested

2 of 2

adjective

: characterized or motivated by self-interest

self-interestedness

(ˈ)⸗¦⸗(⸗)(ˌ)⸗⸗⸗

noun

Synonyms of self-interest

Noun

• selfishness
• selfness
• vanity
• ego
• egoism

Examples of self-interest in a Sentence

Noun

her degree of self-interest is perhaps best reflected in her favorite topic of conversation—herself

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Characters make choices that go against their own self-interest. — Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 22 July 2026

Life, people, and spirit teach us to replace self-interest and self-sufficiency with interdependency, service, and self-sacrifice. — Chris John Amorosino, Hartford Courant, 20 July 2026

Each saw human nature as susceptible to corruption by base impulses and self-interest. — Donovan Fifield, The Conversation, 16 July 2026

Fiction is able to explore the seams of self-interest and conflict that run across men’s social worlds with a freer hand. — Katy Waldman, New Yorker, 13 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

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