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Synonyms

selflessness

American  
[self-lis-nis] / ˈsɛlf lɪs nɪs /

noun

  1. lack of preoccupation with one’s own interests, advancement, desires, etc., and attentiveness to those of others; unselfishness.

    Playing volleyball taught me the value of teamwork, discipline, and selflessness, which can all be applied in the classroom in helping others.

Etymology

Origin of selflessness

selfless ( def. ) + -ness ( def. )

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.

Working in perfect unison, the Lakers showed every component they spent the season searching for: Doncic powering the offense, Reaves finishing it, Ayton’s motor and, at the center, James’ selflessness.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 13, 2026

His personality was marked by a strong sense of duty, humility, and selflessness.

From Slate • Feb. 16, 2026

"Our lifeguards show selflessness every day in keeping our world-famous beaches safe for surfers and swimmers, but what we saw on Sunday night should be commended and celebrated," he said.

From Barron's • Dec. 20, 2025

During the attack he had "responded with courage, instinct, and selflessness, continuing to protect and help others whilst injured, until he was physically no longer able to."

From BBC • Dec. 17, 2025

Candor values honesty, but our faction, Abnegation, values selflessness.

From "Divergent" by Veronica Roth

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.