selfishness
noun
self·ish·ness
ˈsel-fish-nəs 
: the quality or state of being selfish : a concern for one's own welfare or advantage at the expense of or in disregard of others : excessive interest in oneself
We were appalled by the selfishness of their behavior.
Thus most of us are hardwired to conform to a "core morality" that includes protecting our children, dealing more or less fairly with other people, and placing limits on our selfishness.—
Christopher R. Beha
Christopher R. BehaExamples of selfishness in a Sentence
the only reason for constantly ignoring everyone else's problems is selfishness
Recent Examples on the Web
But becoming a parent doesn’t automatically remove ego or selfishness.
—Noah Galuten, The Atlantic, 4 Jan. 2026
But the other is purely just the selfishness of wanting to have good musicals to attend and therefore encouraging the talented people who can make them.
—Nicole Fell, HollywoodReporter, 31 Dec. 2025
Arriving empty-handed, leaving messes behind, being hours late — behaviors like these reflect obliviousness or busyness at best, or selfishness or entitlement at worst.
—Kristen Rogers, CNN Money, 25 Dec. 2025
His selfishness affects not only himself but everyone around him, usually leaving a path of destruction in his wake.
—Brian Truitt, USA Today, 23 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for selfishness
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Noah Galuten, The Atlantic, 4 Jan. 2026
But the other is purely just the selfishness of wanting to have good musicals to attend and therefore encouraging the talented people who can make them.
—Nicole Fell, HollywoodReporter, 31 Dec. 2025
Arriving empty-handed, leaving messes behind, being hours late — behaviors like these reflect obliviousness or busyness at best, or selfishness or entitlement at worst.
—Kristen Rogers, CNN Money, 25 Dec. 2025
His selfishness affects not only himself but everyone around him, usually leaving a path of destruction in his wake.
—Brian Truitt, USA Today, 23 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for selfishness
Cite this Entry
“Selfishness.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/selfishness. Accessed 7 Jan. 2026.
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