What does unselfishness mean?
Unselfishness is the noun meaning the quality of being unselfish: placing the needs, interests, or welfare of other people ahead of one’s own. The word is commonly used to describe generosity, consideration, courage, or self-denial, as when someone gives up a personal advantage so that others can benefit. It can appear in ordinary conversation, in descriptions of public behavior, and in moral or religious discussion. In most contexts, the term is positive, although it may also suggest an expectation of quiet self-sacrifice or a degree of self-denial. Although unselfishness is related to selflessness and altruism, it is especially associated with a person’s willingness to consider others before oneself. The word is normally used as an uncountable noun, so phrases such as “an act of unselfishness” and “a demonstration of unselfishness” are more natural than the rare plural form.
nounThe quality of being unselfish; the disposition or tendency to put others’ needs, interests, or welfare ahead of one’s own.
- The quality or disposition of being unselfish, especially showing concern for others’ needs or interests rather than one’s own.
"Her unselfishness inspired the entire team to put the project’s success before personal ambition."
"The firefighter’s unselfishness was evident in his willingness to enter the building without regard for his own safety."
"Her unselfishness made it possible for the volunteers to continue working together despite their disagreements."
The plural is rare; unselfishness is normally used as an uncountable noun.
"The community’s unselfishnesses were especially evident during the emergency."
Unselfishness is the name for the quality that turns attention away from the self and toward the needs of others.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does unselfishness come from?
Unselfishness is an English formation built from un- + selfish + the noun-forming suffix -ness. The word belongs to the same lexical family as selfish and selfless, all of which express ideas about the relative importance of the self and other people. The prefix un- reverses the sense of selfish, while -ness converts the resulting adjective into a noun naming a quality or disposition. The term developed in English during the 19th century as moral vocabulary concerning conduct that places others above oneself.
Related word forms
How unselfishness is actually used
Common in standard English in both British and US usage. It generally carries a positive moral connotation and is often used in personal, social, religious, or workplace contexts. It is normally uncountable, although a rare plural form exists.
Easily confused with unselfishness
Selfishness is the quality of prioritizing one’s own interests, whereas unselfishness means prioritizing the needs or welfare of others.