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
Sometimes, like Jimmy, parents fail, and choose our own selfishness over our children.
—Elisabeth Sherman, Parents, 27 Feb. 2025
In seven preceding episodes, Season 3 zoomed in on the insecurities, selfishness, and devious choices of a wide-ranging ensemble cast.
—Hannah Giorgis, The Atlantic, 7 Apr. 2025
The level of cartoonish selfishness and narcissism these late-capitalistic nightmares are granted here, however, starts to tip into a level that pitches everything into omnishambles territory.
—David Fear, Rolling Stone, 28 Mar. 2025
The film’s underlying suggestion that spies are just as susceptible to selfishness, prone to mistakes, and likely to lie as anyone lines up nicely with some of the revelations brought to light during the George W. Bush years, and little that’s happened since has made the movie seem less insightful.
—Keith Phipps, Vulture, 19 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for selfishness
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Elisabeth Sherman, Parents, 27 Feb. 2025
In seven preceding episodes, Season 3 zoomed in on the insecurities, selfishness, and devious choices of a wide-ranging ensemble cast.
—Hannah Giorgis, The Atlantic, 7 Apr. 2025
The level of cartoonish selfishness and narcissism these late-capitalistic nightmares are granted here, however, starts to tip into a level that pitches everything into omnishambles territory.
—David Fear, Rolling Stone, 28 Mar. 2025
The film’s underlying suggestion that spies are just as susceptible to selfishness, prone to mistakes, and likely to lie as anyone lines up nicely with some of the revelations brought to light during the George W. Bush years, and little that’s happened since has made the movie seem less insightful.
—Keith Phipps, Vulture, 19 Mar. 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 4 May. 2025.
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