egoism

[ ee-goh-iz-uhm, eg-oh- ]

noun

1. the habit of valuing everything only in reference to one's personal interest; selfishness ( altruism ).
2. egotism or conceit.
3. Ethics. the view that morality ultimately rests on self-interest.

egoism

/ ˈiːɡəʊˌɪzəm; ˈɛɡ- /

noun

1. concern for one's own interests and welfare
2. ethics the theory that the pursuit of one's own welfare is the highest good Compare altruism
3. self-centredness; egotism

Other Words From

• anti·ego·ism noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of egoism¹

First recorded in 1775–85; from French égoïsme, from New Latin egoismus, equivalent to ego ego ( def ) + -ismus -ism ( def )

Synonym Study

See egotism.

Example Sentences

“I think that in the dynamic of multilateral diplomacy, we need to avoid egoism, egoism of the north towards the south.”

From Washington Times

Such mythmaking adds to the public's belief in the possibility of the American dream and the praiseworthy egoism of genius.

From Salon

“A flat-out symbol of greed and egoism” is how his 76-story Columbia Center was dismissed by a former University of Washington School of Architecture dean.

From Seattle Times

The egoism of being an actor is wonderful to laugh at.

From New York Times

He can be a bully in part because he can temper his cruelty and egoism with the performance of a clown or a showman.

From Salon