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

• egocentricity
• egocentrism
• egoism
• egomania
• egotism
• narcissism
• navel-gazing
• self-absorption
• self-centeredness
• self-concern
• self-interest
• self-involvement
• self-preoccupation
• self-regard
• selfness

Examples of selfishness in a Sentence

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

Recent Examples on the Web

Later that day, Cynthia reportedly involved their mother, framing the situation as selfishness. —Melissa Fleur Afshar, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 May 2025

But according to this Reddit post, sending it out to friends and classmates adds a touch of selfishness. —Elisabeth Sherman, Parents, 14 May 2025

His attitude and selfishness during that time led me to strongly resent him. —Jeanne Phillips, Mercury News, 13 May 2025

Other passengers on the train include blue-collar worker Sang-hwa (Ma Dong-seok) and his pregnant wife Seong-kyeong (Jung Yu-mi), a high-school baseball team, and the conniving businessman, Yon-suk (Kim Eui-sung) whose selfishness leads to all sorts of terrible twists down the line. —Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 3 May 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1628, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for selfishness

• unselfishness