1
disapproving
: concern only for getting what you want or need and not about what happens to other people
They acted out of self-interest and fear.
2
: your own interest or advantage
Our self-interest demands that we help them. [=it benefits us to help them]
Cite this Entry
“Self-interest.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/self-interest. Accessed 14 Apr. 2026.
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