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

Examples of selfishness in a Sentence

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

Recent Examples on the Web

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Some view focusing on one’s goals with determination as an act of selfishness. —

William Jones, USA TODAY, 18 Jan. 2025 To some city residents, the aggravating escapades became a symbol of selfishness in the social media era. —

Mike Baker, New York Times, 24 Dec. 2024 Less selfishness and more of a consideration for the next generations of human beings and other beings (animals and environment) that will inherit our mistakes. —

Laurel Dalrymple, NPR, 18 Jan. 2025 Catherine’s major personality traits are selfishness and a mild yet persistent case of trichophagia. —

Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 18 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for selfishness