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Definition of unselfish

unselfish

/ˌʌnˈsɛl.fɪʃ/
un · self · ish
Adverb:unselfishly
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unselfish Lexical Profile

unselfish Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

Willing to put the needs or wishes of others before one's own; not focused on personal gain or advantage.

Example

"The team owed its championship victory to the unselfish play of the point guard, who consistently passed the ball to open teammates."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Rhymes for unselfish

• Nearby Words

unselective
unselfconscious
unselfconsciously
unselfish
unselfishly
unselfishness
unsellable

Word Origin & Etymology

First recorded in the late 17th century, formed from the Old English prefix 'un-' (not) combined with 'selfish', which was coined by Presbyterians in the 1640s to describe excessive regard for one's own interests.

Cite this Entry

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