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

McMaster’s formulation, like Trump’s exaltation of selfishness, rests on profound ignorance of the true sources of American strength. —Robert Kagan, The Atlantic, 18 Jan. 2026

Prosecutors told jurors at trial that Wei was motivated by greed and selfishness rather than political ideology. —Alex Riggins, San Diego Union-Tribune, 12 Jan. 2026

Auriemma demanding selfishness from an innately unselfish superstar is a familiar refrain for those who listened to him deliver the same message to Paige Bueckers throughout her five seasons at UConn. —Emily Adams, Hartford Courant, 12 Jan. 2026

These attacks are designed to divide us, to turn us towards cynicism and selfishness. —Natalia Aristizabal, New York Daily News, 7 Jan. 2026