altruistic

adjective

al·​tru·​is·​tic ˌal-trü-ˈi-stik 

: relating to or given to altruism:

a

: having or showing an unselfish concern for the welfare of others

altruistic acts/motives

a generous and altruistic person

Yet many of the most important institutions in our society—the fine arts, NGOs, humanitarian charities—depend on the generosity of wealthy citizens with altruistic impulses.

—Jonathan Kay

b

: relating to or being behavior by an animal that is not beneficial to or may be harmful to the animal itself but that benefits others of its species

The evolutionary theory of kin selection requires that social animals recognize their relatives so that altruistic behavior can be displayed preferentially toward kin.

—Science

altruistically

ˌal-trü-ˈi-sti-k(ə-)lē 

adverb

… one of the first researchers to begin to solve the paradox of how the evolutionary struggle to survive and reproduce could give rise to creatures that never reproduce and spend their lives altruistically helping others to survive.

—Carol Kaesuk Yoon

Synonyms

• beneficent
• benevolent
• charitable
• do-good
• eleemosynary
• good
• humanitarian
• philanthropic
• philanthropical

Examples of altruistic in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Unlike other spirits of legend, this ghost serves a wholly altruistic purpose: to save lives. —Meghan Overdeep, Southern Living, 3 May 2024

Penguin was founded with the altruistic mission of hosting CBD inspired by Mother Nature. —Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 3 Apr. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1853, in the meaning defined above