unselfish

[ uhn-sel-fish ]

adjective

1. not selfish; disinterested; generous; altruistic.

unselfish

/ ʌnˈsɛlfɪʃ /

adjective

1. not selfish or greedy; generous

Derived Forms

• unˈselfishness, noun
• unˈselfishly, adverb

Other Words From

• un·selfish·ly adverb
• un·selfish·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of unselfish¹

First recorded in 1690–1700; un- ¹ + selfish

Example Sentences

Noah and Joanne are unselfish people whose constitutional truthfulness robs the series of one of situation comedy’s main engines — the lie — for the better.

From Los Angeles Times

“Bill was a champion at every level and the embodiment of unselfish team play,” the public address announcer said, while both the Celtics and Mavericks players applauded.

From Seattle Times

Would his sincerity and passion for doing the right thing, the unselfish thing, still be making headlines?

From Los Angeles Times

I treasure all my thoughtful and unselfish friends.

From Seattle Times

“Anytime your best player’s unselfish, everybody just gets in line,” Painter said.

From Seattle Times

Related Words

• generous
• noble
• self-effacing
• selfless