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

Synonyms of selfishness

• selfness
• vanity
• egoism
• ego
• pridefulness

Examples of selfishness in a Sentence

the only reason for constantly ignoring everyone else's problems is selfishness

Recent Examples on the Web

To take time out of one’s days or nights or weekends, to excuse oneself from family time, or time with friends, in order to write and think about one’s life, is an act of selfishness that is needed more now than ever. —Literary Hub, 19 Mar. 2026

And there is a selfishness in understanding that in your craft and your industry, this is a pinnacle. —Shania Russell, Entertainment Weekly, 16 Mar. 2026

There are no casinos, no lotteries and no racetracks that allow bets, a prohibition rooted in the conservative ideals of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, which views gambling as a vice that leads to selfishness and addiction. —ABC News, 11 Mar. 2026

People wear masks to hide their selfishness, deceiving others in order to satisfy their own desires. —Kenneth Andrew Andres Leonardo, The Conversation, 6 Mar. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1628, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for selfishness

• unselfishness