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

The selfish tyrant attaches himself only to those others who share his selfishness, who are eager to wear the mask of perpetual lying. —David Brooks, Mercury News, 24 Jan. 2026

If not for Camilla, who’d gone out of her way to take Regina in, even letting her share the bedroom with her and Lalla, the others wouldn’t have welcomed her—not out of spite, no, because none of them were spiteful after all, but out of indifference, selfishness, plain and simple. —Literary Hub, 22 Jan. 2026

Under the Democrats, our public schools have become learning centers for crime and selfishness! —Reader Commentary, Baltimore Sun, 22 Jan. 2026

Those that document a life of thoughtful choices or randomness, commitment to a greater good or selfishness, a life of action or disregard? —Beronda L. Montgomery, PEOPLE, 19 Jan. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1628, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for selfishness

• unselfishness