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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.

The author argues that contemporary American business and government leaders are fundamentally characterized by an absence of character, which the author defines as steadfastness, selflessness, self-sacrifice, honesty, and integrity in dealings with others.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 19, 2026

What modern historians know is that selflessness didn’t come effortlessly to Washington.

From Slate • Feb. 16, 2026

"While nothing can lessen the pain of losing Boris and Sofia, we feel an overwhelming sense of pride in their bravery and selflessness," their family said in a statement.

From Barron's • Dec. 17, 2025

"While nothing can lessen the pain of losing Boris and Sofia, we feel an overwhelming sense of pride in their bravery and selflessness," the family said.

From BBC • Dec. 16, 2025

It will require a great act of selflessness to choose Abnegation, or a great act of courage to choose Dauntless, and maybe just choosing one over the other will prove that I belong.

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.