self-interest

noun

self-in·​ter·​est ˌself-ˈin-t(ə-)rəst 

-ˈin-tə-ˌrest,

-ˌtrest;

-ˈin-tərst

1

: a concern for one's own advantage and well-being

acted out of self-interest and fear

2

: one's own interest or advantage

self-interest requires that we be generous in foreign aid

self-interested

ˌself-ˈin-t(ə-)rə-stəd 

-ˈin-tə-ˌre-

-ˈin-ˌtre-;

-ˈin-tər-

adjective

self-interestedly adverb

self-interestedness noun

Synonyms

• egocentricity
• egocentrism
• egoism
• egomania
• egotism
• narcissism
• navel-gazing
• self-absorption
• self-centeredness
• self-concern
• self-involvement
• self-preoccupation
• self-regard
• selfishness
• selfness

Examples of self-interest in a Sentence

her degree of self-interest is perhaps best reflected in her favorite topic of conversation—herself

Recent Examples on the Web

Some may have additional self-interest: Several reviewers asked the author to include citations to their own papers, and some authors complied. —Byjeffrey Brainard, science.org, 11 Sep. 2024

Public choice economists love to point out that government employees are subject to the same motivations and self-interest as people in the private sector. —James Broughel, Forbes, 10 Sep. 2024

The search for personally resonant principles was reinterpreted as a tactic not to overcome self-interest but to advance it. —Manvir Singh, The New Yorker, 9 Sep. 2024

Illinois Democrats must summon the courage and will to put the people of Illinois ahead of their own self-interest. —Willie Wilson, Chicago Tribune, 5 Sep. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1595, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Kids Definition

self-interest

noun

self-in·​ter·​est

ˈsel-ˈfin-trəst,

-ˈfint-ə-rəst

1

: a concern for one's own advantage

acted out of self-interest and fear

2

: one's own interest or advantage