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self-interest
[ self-in-trist, -in-ter-ist, self- ]
noun
- regard for one's own interest or advantage, especially with disregard for others:
He appears to be motivated solely by self-interest, greed, and an insatiable hunger for self-aggrandizement.
- personal interest or advantage:
It is particularly hard to understand why a group would vote against its own self-interest.
- Economics. the doctrine that acting to one’s own benefit or advantage can also result in a benefit for society at large:
Adam Smith believed that individuals pursuing rational self-interest would create wealth through efficient production and competition.
self-interest
noun
- one's personal interest or advantage
- the act or an instance of pursuing one's own interest
Derived Forms
- ˌ-ˈԳٱٱԱ, noun
- ˌ-ˈԳٱٱ, adjective
Other Word Forms
- -·ٱ·· adjective
- -·ٱ···ness noun
Word History and Origins
Origin of self-interest1
Compare Meanings
How does self-interest compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:
Example Sentences
Trump and Musk are grandiose, self-inflating blimps fueled by massive narcissism and perceived self-interest.
Many Republican politicians aren't true believers, either, but cynical operators whose "loyalty" to Trump only lasts as far as their perceived self-interest.
He said the row showed Reform is "not serious, and will always put self-interest above our national interest".
Running counter to the American worship of self-interest doesn't mean that Steves doesn't embrace success.
The woman who was once famously preoccupied with herself has all but forgotten her self-interest to make sure Mabel and Billy have the stability their childhoods require.
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