altruistic
Americanadjective
-
unselfishly concerned for or devoted to the welfare of others (egoistic ).
- Synonyms:
- unselfish, benevolent, philanthropic, generous, charitable
- Antonyms:
- mean, selfish, self-centered
-
Animal Behavior. of or relating to behavior by an animal that may be to its disadvantage but that benefits others of its kind, often its close relatives.
Other Word Forms
- altruistically adverb
- hyperaltruistic adjective
- nonaltruistic adjective
- nonaltruistically adverb
Etymology
Origin of altruistic
First recorded in 1850–55; altru(ism) + -istic
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
“The reality, however, is that altruistic idealists are few and far between in this world.”
From Slate • Mar. 25, 2026
“Dawson’s Creek” made Van Der Beek a heartthrob more impactful than any of his contemporaries — a character more open than Jared Leto’s icy Jordan Catalano, and more altruistic than Luke Perry’s Dylan McKay.
From Salon • Feb. 15, 2026
Cremer concludes, "This precise coordination between the individual and colony level is what makes this altruistic disease signaling so effective."
From Science Daily • Dec. 3, 2025
It’s the kind of altruistic talk Altman is known for as he predicts that superintelligent AI—or AGI—will help cure cancer and save humanity.
From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 2, 2025
If this is to be a full and honest account of my life and deeds, I feel I should mention that my reasons for inviting Ben into our troupe were not entirely altruistic.
From "The Name of the Wind" by Patrick Rothfuss
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
