selfishness

[ sel-fish-nis ]

noun

1. the quality or state of caring only for oneself or one’s own interests:

   The author rants at length about the selfishness and general disregard for others that he sees at the root of modern society.

Word History and Origins

Origin of selfishness¹

selfish ( def ) + -ness ( def )

Example Sentences

Sure, she has also fallen into old habits, clawed her way back from them and continues to flirt with the selfishness that got her a reputation in the first place.

From Salon

It's easier for the right to blame "female selfishness," which is defined as any desire to have a life outside of giving birth and raising children.

From Salon

My favorite cognitive bias is called motive attribution asymmetry, where we see ourselves as being motivated by protective, caring motives, and we see the other side as being driven by selfishness and by hostility.

From Los Angeles Times

“He took this vow of silence to center himself and find some peace within himself, so I was like, ‘Let me take my selfishness back,’ ” she said.

From Los Angeles Times

“She understands that leadership is about service, not selfishness.”

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• greed
• self-indulgence