What does selfishly mean?
Selfishly means acting in a way that gives priority to one's own interests, desires, or comfort, especially when doing so disadvantages other people. It commonly describes decisions or conduct that ignore the effects on family members, colleagues, friends, or the wider public. The word usually carries a negative or disapproving connotation, although it can be used neutrally when describing a character's strategy or motivation. For example, a character may make a choice selfishly to protect themselves, even if the choice is understandable. Selfishly is the adverb form of selfish and differs from selfishly in how it functions grammatically: the former describes a quality of a person, while the latter describes the manner in which someone acts. The word is useful when discussing conduct, motivation, and ethical responsibility.
adverbIn a selfish manner, with priority given to one's own interests over those of others.
- In a manner that prioritizes one's own interests, needs, or desires over those of other people.
"He selfishly left the meeting without considering how the decision would affect his colleagues."
"The advertisement was designed to sell the product selfishly, appealing only to customers' desire for status."
"She acted selfishly by taking the last available seat without asking whether anyone else needed it."
Selfishly puts the focus on a familiar human dilemma: choosing what benefits you now, even when someone else is left carrying the cost.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does selfishly come from?
Selfishly derives from selfish, an adjective formed from self and the suffix -ish, with the sense of being oriented toward oneself. The adjective entered English in the early modern period and was already being used with its current negative judgement before the adverb form became established. Related forms include unselfish, meaning unconcerned with personal advantage, and selfishness, the noun naming the quality or practice. The shared root self also appears in many English words concerned with one's own identity, body, or actions.
Related word forms
How selfishly is actually used
Generally disapproving or critical in tone. It can describe deliberate conduct, but is sometimes used more broadly for behaviour perceived as self-centered. The adverb is common in formal, informal, and literary English.
Easily confused with selfishly
Selfishly describes behaviour guided by personal advantage, whereas selfless behaviour places the interests of others first.