self-interest

[ self-in-trist, -in-ter-ist, self- ]

noun

1. regard for one's own interest or advantage, especially with disregard for others:

   He appears to be motivated solely by self-interest, greed, and an insatiable hunger for self-aggrandizement.

2. personal interest or advantage:

   It is particularly hard to understand why a group would vote against its own self-interest.

3. Economics. the doctrine that acting to one’s own benefit or advantage can also result in a benefit for society at large:

   Adam Smith believed that individuals pursuing rational self-interest would create wealth through efficient production and competition.

self-interest

noun

1. one's personal interest or advantage
2. the act or an instance of pursuing one's own interest

Derived Forms

• ˌself-ˈinterestedness, noun
• ˌself-ˈinterested, adjective

Other Words From

• self-in·ter·est·ed adjective
• self-in·ter·est·ed·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of self-interest¹

First recorded in 1640–50

Related Words

• arrogance
• egotism
• narcissism
• self-confidence
• selfishness