Synonyms of selfishness

selfishness

noun

ˈsel-fish-nəs 

as in selfness

excessive interest in oneself

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

• selfness
• vanity
• egoism
• ego
• pridefulness
• narcissism
• self-interest
• self-centeredness
• egocentrism
• egocentricity
• egotism
• self-absorption
• egomania
• self-involvement
• self-concern
• self-preoccupation
• pride
• smugness
• navel-gazing
• self-regard
• vainness
• complacency
• vainglory
• self-satisfaction
• self-love
• conceitedness
• self-conceit
• self-sufficiency
• self-respect
• self-admiration
• complacence
• pompousness
• pomposity
• self-importance
• conceit
• self-indulgence
• vaingloriousness
• self-glorification
• self-contentment
• self-content
• self-esteem
• self-consequence
• self-assumption
• self-partiality

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• selflessness
• unselfishness
• generosity
• altruism
• magnanimity
• fairness
• self-sacrifice
• neutrality
• objectivity
• detachment
• impartiality
• disinterestedness
• self-forgetfulness
• self-abandonment
• self-flagellation
• self-annihilation
• self-immolation

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of selfishness

At its core, narcissism is defined by a lack of empathy—not just occasional selfishness, but a consistent inability or unwillingness to step into someone else’s world. —Jenna Ryu, SELF, 5 Mar. 2026

The snowstorms have revealed a selfishness that has floored me. —Voice Of The People, New York Daily News, 5 Mar. 2026

This climactic collision is woven from several minor ethical tugs-of-war that rest on each character exhibiting both selfishness and altruism in various scenes, until their complicated humanity is placed under a harsh spotlight. —Siddhant Adlakha, Variety, 21 Feb. 2026

Jokic plays below the rim, accents the margins, makes the right play, everything that runs contrary to the selfishness rewarded in this exhibition. —Troy Renck, Denver Post, 16 Feb. 2026