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

Regional states’ self-interest would keep oil flowing, no new terrorist safe havens would emerge, and no outside power would fill the vacuum. — Philip H. Gordon, Foreign Affairs, 12 Oct. 2026

The invisible hand helps explain how self-interest can create prosperity. — Linda K. Brown Stroh, Fortune, 11 Oct. 2026

But not without reminding everyone that humans are flawed, complicated creatures who, despite best intentions, sometimes act against their own self-interest and the well-being of others. — Jon Blistein, Rolling Stone, 6 Oct. 2026

Equality arises from self-interest Our study also found that although hunter-gatherers are frequently generous, the processes limiting inequality often do not require any generosity. — Christopher Von Rueden, The Conversation, 3 Oct. 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