selflessness

[ self-lis-nis ]

noun

1. lack of preoccupation with one’s own interests, advancement, desires, etc., and attentiveness to those of others; unselfishness:

   Playing volleyball taught me the value of teamwork, discipline, and selflessness, which can all be applied in the classroom in helping others.

Word History and Origins

Origin of selflessness¹

selfless ( def ) + -ness ( def )

Example Sentences

"Arcane" strips away any illusions of selflessness . . . in the process also holding a mirror up to fascist America circa 2024.

From Salon

In so doing, “Arcane” strips away any illusions of selflessness even as it acknowledges her valid pain, in the process also holding a mirror up to fascist America circa 2024.

From Salon

She told the BBC that she had been touched by their "pure selflessness", and she and her brother had one day joined them to clean a stretch of a street market in the heart of Accra.

From BBC

Selflessness has been the catchphrase of the preseason for a team that could go 10-plus deep.

From Los Angeles Times

“There's an overwhelming sense of sadness for the lives lost but also a profound admiration for their bravery and their selflessness,” he said.

From BBC

Related Words

• benevolence
• humanitarianism
• kindness