Selfish: meaning, definitions and examples

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selfish

 

[ ˈsɛlfɪʃ ]

Adjective
Context #1 | Adjective

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.
Context #2 | Adjective

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

Etymology

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.