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
Christopher R. BehaExamples of selfishness in a Sentence
the only reason for constantly ignoring everyone else's problems is selfishness
Recent Examples on the Web
Arriving empty-handed, leaving messes behind, being hours late — behaviors like these reflect obliviousness or busyness at best, or selfishness or entitlement at worst.
—Kristen Rogers, CNN Money, 25 Dec. 2025
His selfishness affects not only himself but everyone around him, usually leaving a path of destruction in his wake.
—Brian Truitt, USA Today, 23 Dec. 2025
Their affair sends the already-shaky state of affairs into a downward spiral, and Lidia blames both Boa’s leadership and Yovani’s selfishness for her mother’s demise.
—Christian Zilko, IndieWire, 11 Dec. 2025
Robin Hood replaces the character’s intrinsic altruism with a persistent adolescent selfishness.
—Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 4 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for selfishness
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.
Kristen Rogers, CNN Money, 25 Dec. 2025
His selfishness affects not only himself but everyone around him, usually leaving a path of destruction in his wake.
—Brian Truitt, USA Today, 23 Dec. 2025
Their affair sends the already-shaky state of affairs into a downward spiral, and Lidia blames both Boa’s leadership and Yovani’s selfishness for her mother’s demise.
—Christian Zilko, IndieWire, 11 Dec. 2025
Robin Hood replaces the character’s intrinsic altruism with a persistent adolescent selfishness.
—Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 4 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for selfishness
Cite this Entry
“Selfishness.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/selfishness. Accessed 31 Dec. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share