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Definition of selfishness

selfishness

/ˈsɛl.fɪʃ.nəs/
sel · fish · ness
Adverb:selfishly
•
Adjective:selfish
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selfishness Lexical Profile

selfishness Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

The quality or state of being concerned chiefly or excessively with oneself and one's own advantage, pleasure, or welfare, without regard for others.

Example

"The team's failure was largely attributed to the selfishness of players who prioritized personal statistics over collective success."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for selfishness
Antonyms
View all antonyms for selfishness

• Rhymes for selfishness

• Nearby Words

selfie
selfish
selfishly
selfishness
selfless
selflessly
selflessness

Word Origin & Etymology

Formed in the mid-17th century from the adjective 'selfish' (originally coined by Scottish Presbyterians to mean 'self-centered') combined with the noun-forming suffix '-ness'.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Selfishness. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/selfishness
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