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
But the challenge in all three April meetings will be to embrace the collaborative spirit for the wider good of the sport, rather than letting self-interest or competitive paranoia get in the way.
—
Luke Smith, New York Times, 8 Apr. 2026
The behavior suggests bots may act not from a place of mere self-interest, but with awareness that the bot’s own shutdown would be detrimental to a peer AI, which strengthened motivation to defy user requests.
—Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 3 Apr. 2026
Believes in being a team player A sign of a potentially good parent is someone who puts their self-interests aside and focuses on the well-being of others, says Chicvak.
—Sherri Gordon, Parents, 14 Mar. 2026
Nothing is inherently natural about self-interest, deregulation, or capital accumulation, even if Smith phrased it as such.
—Literary Hub, 9 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for self-interest
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.
Luke Smith, New York Times, 8 Apr. 2026
The behavior suggests bots may act not from a place of mere self-interest, but with awareness that the bot’s own shutdown would be detrimental to a peer AI, which strengthened motivation to defy user requests.
—Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 3 Apr. 2026
Believes in being a team player A sign of a potentially good parent is someone who puts their self-interests aside and focuses on the well-being of others, says Chicvak.
—Sherri Gordon, Parents, 14 Mar. 2026
Nothing is inherently natural about self-interest, deregulation, or capital accumulation, even if Smith phrased it as such.
—Literary Hub, 9 Mar. 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 13 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
