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Synonyms

selfless

American  
[self-lis] / ˈsɛlf lɪs /

adjective

  1. having little or no concern for oneself, especially with regard to fame, position, money, etc.; unselfish.

selfless British  
/ ˈsɛlflɪs /

adjective

  1. having little concern for one's own interests

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

  • selflessly adverb
  • selflessness noun

Etymology

Origin of selfless

First recorded in 1815–25; self + -less

Compare meaning

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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.

“Service to our country, service to the Constitution, selfless service.”

From Slate • Apr. 1, 2026

“What I love most is she’s one of the most selfless people I’ve ever played with,” Betts said of Rice.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 20, 2026

Skilful, clinical, selfless, Benzema's Bernabeu existence was to help others flourish.

From BBC • Mar. 3, 2026

For Emma, who was at home caring for Freya, the gesture meant far more than a one-off selfless deed.

From BBC • Feb. 16, 2026

“You know, I sacrificed a lot to have children. Being a mother is truly one of the most selfless jobs you can do.”

From "Starfish" by Akemi Dawn Bowman

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.