self-interest
noun
self-in·ter·est
ˌself-ˈin-t(ə-)rəst 
-ˈin-tə-ˌrest,
-ˌtrest;
-ˈin-tərst
1
: a concern for one's own advantage and well-being
acted out of self-interest and fear
2
: one's own interest or advantage
self-interest requires that we be generous in foreign aid
self-interestedly
adverb
self-interestedness
noun
Examples of self-interest in a Sentence
her degree of self-interest is perhaps best reflected in her favorite topic of conversation—herself
Recent Examples on the Web
As with so much about college football, where self-interest reigns and sanity is scarce, the outcome isn’t ideal but could have been much, much worse.
—
Jon Wilner, Mercury News, 23 Jan. 2026
This second theory has inspired lots of research in contemporary psychology, which often sees morality and self-interest as fundamentally opposed.
—Michael Prinzing, The Conversation, 23 Jan. 2026
Supporting the Iranians is in our self-interest.
—Agustina Vergara Cid, Oc Register, 23 Jan. 2026
Call it enlightened self-interest wrapped in black and gold.
—Mike Bianchi, The Orlando Sentinel, 22 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for self-interest
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Jon Wilner, Mercury News, 23 Jan. 2026
This second theory has inspired lots of research in contemporary psychology, which often sees morality and self-interest as fundamentally opposed.
—Michael Prinzing, The Conversation, 23 Jan. 2026
Supporting the Iranians is in our self-interest.
—Agustina Vergara Cid, Oc Register, 23 Jan. 2026
Call it enlightened self-interest wrapped in black and gold.
—Mike Bianchi, The Orlando Sentinel, 22 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for self-interest
Cite this Entry
“Self-interest.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/self-interest. Accessed 1 Feb. 2026.
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