What does egoism mean?
Egoism is the practice or principle of putting oneself at the centre of everything — an excessive concern with one's own interests, desires, and welfare, often at the expense of others. In everyday use it carries a strongly negative connotation, describing someone whose selfishness leaves no room for consideration of other people. The word also has an important technical life in philosophy: ethical egoism argues that individuals ought to act in their own self-interest, while psychological egoism claims that all human behaviour is ultimately driven by self-interest. Related terms include 'egoist', for a person who embodies this trait, and 'egoistic', its adjectival form. Egoism should not be confused with egotism, which emphasises boastful self-importance rather than mere self-interest. Derived from the Latin 'ego' meaning 'I', the word entered English in the early eighteenth century and remains a staple of moral philosophy, psychology, and sharp-tongued character description alike.
nounExcessive concern with oneself and one's own interests; self-centredness. In philosophy, the doctrine that self-interest is the proper motive or goal of human action.
- Excessive self-concern or self-centredness; selfishness.
- (Philosophy) The ethical theory that self-interest is the foundation of morality (ethical egoism), or the claim that people are in fact motivated only by self-interest (psychological egoism).
"His relentless egoism left little room in his life for the needs of others."
"Her egoism made it impossible for her to consider her colleagues' opinions."
"Ethical egoism holds that acting in one's own interest can be morally justified."
Rarely used; typically appears only when referring to distinct varieties or doctrines of egoism.
"The seminar compared the various egoisms proposed by different philosophers."
The same Latin word 'ego' that gives us 'egoism' simply means 'I' — making it, quite literally, a philosophy of 'me first'.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of egoism
Egoism derives from the Latin pronoun 'ego', meaning 'I', combined with the suffix '-ism'. It entered English in the early eighteenth century, initially as a philosophical term before broadening into everyday usage. It shares its root with cognates such as 'egocentric', 'egoist', and 'ego', all tracing back to the same Latin source.
Related word forms
How egoism is actually used
A formal or academic term, often used critically to describe character. In philosophical writing, 'egoism' carries a technical sense distinct from its everyday pejorative use; British spelling may appear as 'egoism' in both regions, with no significant regional variation.
Easily confused with egoism
Egotism refers to excessive talkativeness about oneself and inflated self-importance, while egoism is broader self-centredness and, in philosophy, a doctrine of self-interest.
Egocentrism is an inability to see things from another's perspective, whereas egoism is deliberate self-interest or selfish motivation.