What does selfishness mean?
Selfishness is the noun describing a self-centered concern with personal advantage, often to the exclusion of other people's needs, wishes, or rights. It can refer to a general disposition, as in a criticism of human selfishness, or to a specific instance of behavior, such as a selfish decision to keep a shared resource for oneself. The word is usually negative and commonly suggests indifference, exploitation, or unfairness. It can also be used more neutrally in ethical, psychological, and economic discussions, where the focus is on the contrast between self-interest and cooperation or concern for others. Derived from “self” and the adjective “selfish,” the term is especially useful when discussing motives and social conduct.
nounSelfishness is the quality of being concerned primarily with one's own interests, often without regard for the needs, feelings, or well-being of others.
- The quality or state of being selfish, especially of pursuing one's own interests at the expense of others.
"Her selfishness prevented her from recognizing how much her actions had affected everyone else."
"He was accused of selfishness when he refused to share the last of the food."
"The speech criticized the selfishness of corporations that put profit ahead of environmental responsibility."
The plural is grammatical but uncommon; it is mainly used when referring to multiple instances or examples of selfish behavior.
"The novel explores the different forms of selfishness within the family."
Selfishness is more than simply looking after yourself: it describes a persistent disregard for the interests and humanity of others.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does selfishness come from?
The word is formed from “self” plus the suffix “-ish” in “selfish,” with the additional suffix “-ness” used to form the noun. “Self” comes from Old English “self,” meaning an individual's own person or character, and is related cognately to words in several Germanic languages. The development of “selfish” and then “selfishness” reflects the longstanding English use of “self-” in words concerned with personal character or conduct.
Related word forms
How selfishness is actually used
Generally used to describe conduct, motives, or attitudes regarded as self-centered or inconsiderate. It can be strongly disapproving, although writers may use it analytically in discussions of ethics, psychology, or social behavior.
Easily confused with selfishness
“Selfish” is the adjective describing a person, action, or motive, whereas “selfishness” is the noun naming the quality or behavior.
“Selflessness” means placing others' needs or interests before one's own, making it the direct opposite of “selfishness.”