Selfish: meaning, definitions and examples
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selfish
[ ˈsɛlfɪʃ ]
behavior
Having or showing concern only for yourself and not for the needs or feelings of other people.
Synonyms
egocentric, egotistical, self-absorbed, self-centered
Examples of usage
- He's a selfish lover, only interested in his own pleasure.
- She's so selfish, she never thinks about how her actions affect others.
action
Lacking consideration for others; concerned chiefly with one's own personal profit or pleasure.
Synonyms
self-indulgent, self-interested, self-seeking, self-serving
Examples of usage
- It was a selfish decision to leave the team right before the important match.
- The politician's selfish behavior cost him the support of his colleagues.
Translations
Translations of the word "selfish" in other languages:
🇵🇹 egoísta
🇮🇳 स्वार्थी
🇩🇪 egoistisch
🇮🇩 egois
🇺🇦 егоїстичний
🇵🇱 egoistyczny
🇯🇵 利己的 (りこてき)
🇫🇷 égoïste
🇪🇸 egoísta
🇹🇷 bencil
🇰🇷 이기적인 (igijeogin)
🇸🇦 أناني
🇨🇿 sobec
🇸🇰 sebecký
🇨🇳 自私 (zìsī)
🇸🇮 sebičen
🇮🇸 sjálfselskur
🇰🇿 өзімшіл
🇬🇪 ეგოისტი
🇦🇿 eqoist
🇲🇽 egoísta
Word origin
The word 'selfish' originated in the early 17th century from the combination of 'self' and 'ish', meaning 'concerned excessively or exclusively with oneself'. Over time, the term has evolved to describe individuals who prioritize their own needs and desires over those of others, often to the detriment of interpersonal relationships and social harmony.
See also: self, selfhood, selfless, selflessly, selflessness, unselfish, unselfishly.
Word Frequency Rank
At #7,320 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.
- ...
- 7317 collectively
- 7318 periodically
- 7319 connexion
- 7320 selfish
- 7321 tile
- 7322 chip
- 7323 swift
- ...