What does selflessness mean?
Selflessness is the quality of putting other people's needs, interests, or welfare before your own. In practice, it refers to generous or sacrificial behaviour, such as giving time, money, comfort, or assistance without expecting a personal reward. The word is usually approving, although it can sound somewhat idealizing when used to describe someone as entirely selfless, since people may still act for complex or mixed motives. Selflessness is especially associated with acts of compassion, community service, and sacrifice. It differs from generosity in that it implies a broader orientation toward others rather than simply giving freely, and it contrasts with selfishness or narrow self-interest. The term is useful because it captures a familiar moral ideal while remaining distinct from simple kindness or charity.
nounThe quality of being unselfish, showing willingness to put others' needs or interests before your own. It involves selfless behaviour, often at some personal cost.
- The quality or practice of being unselfish and putting others' welfare before your own.
"Her selflessness inspired the whole community to contribute to the relief effort."
"The volunteers were praised for their selflessness during the emergency."
"Rather than seeking recognition, he showed selflessness by quietly helping those around him."
Usually treated as an uncountable mass noun and is not normally pluralized.
"Her selflessness was admired by everyone who knew her."
A selfless act can quietly transform a life without expecting applause in return.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does selflessness come from?
Selflessness is formed from the English word self together with the suffix -less and the noun-forming ending -ness. The base word self developed within English and is ultimately related to Latin ipsum, meaning 'the same' or 'himself or herself'. The related adjective selfless and adverb selflessly developed from the same English base, while the Latin root also appears in cognates such as selfish and self-consciously.
Related word forms
How selflessness is actually used
Generally approving and formal or literary in tone. It is commonly used to describe generous actions, sacrifices, or behaviour, and can sometimes sound idealizing when applied to a person.
Easily confused with selflessness
Selflessness means putting others' needs before your own, whereas selfishness means primarily pursuing your own interests.