Unselfish: meaning, definitions and examples

🤝

Add to dictionary

unselfish

[ʌnˈsɛlfɪʃ ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

personality trait

Having or showing a willingness to act in the interest of others rather than oneself; altruistic.

Synonyms

altruistic, benevolent, charitable, generous, selfless.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
unselfish	Used to describe someone who prioritizes others’ needs over their own but in a general sense, without necessarily implying any specific acts of kindness. She was very unselfish, always thinking of her family first.
altruistic	Used to describe behavior or actions driven by the desire to help others without expecting any personal gain, often implying a higher moral purpose. His altruistic actions during the crisis saved many lives.
selfless	Used to describe someone who consistently puts others’ needs above their own, often in a heroic or sacrificial context. Her selfless dedication to the cause inspired many volunteers.
generous	Used to describe a willingness to give more of something, especially money or time, than is usual or expected. He was generous with both his time and money, always ready to help.
benevolent	Used to describe someone who is kind and generous, particularly in a way that aims to do good for others, often implying a gentle nature. The benevolent teacher always went out of her way to help struggling students.
charitable	Used to describe actions or attitudes involving donations of time, money, or other resources to help those in need. Their charitable foundation provides scholarships to underprivileged students.

Examples of usage

Her unselfish actions helped many people in need.
He was praised for his unselfish devotion to the community.
The unselfish act of donating all her prize money to charity touched many hearts.
Unselfish individuals often put the needs of others before their own.
Being unselfish is a commendable quality in a person.

^{Context #2 | Adjective}

behavior

Not selfish; concerned with the welfare of others.

Synonyms

altruistic, considerate, magnanimous, selfless, thoughtful.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
unselfish	Appropriate when referring to someone who regularly puts others' needs before their own without expecting anything in return. The unselfish nurse worked overtime to care for her patients
altruistic	Used in situations describing a person who acts purely out of the desire to help others without any personal gain, often implying a moral or ethical motivation. His decision to donate half of his salary to charity was seen as highly altruistic
selfless	Suitably used when describing someone who consistently acts in others' best interests, often to the detriment of their own. His selfless actions during the crisis saved many lives
magnanimous	Used in situations where someone is very generous, especially towards people who are less powerful or weaker, often involving a forgiving nature. She was magnanimous in victory, praising her opponents for their effort
considerate	Best used when talking about someone who is mindful of others' feelings and needs, typically showing kindness and respect. He was always considerate, always holding the door open for others
thoughtful	Applied when referring to someone who considers the needs, desires, and feelings of others thoughtfully and deliberately. She is a thoughtful friend, always remembering birthdays and anniversaries

Examples of usage

His unselfish behavior in sharing his resources made a positive impact on the community.
She always demonstrated unselfish behavior in her interactions with others.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word is formed by adding 'un-' (meaning not) to 'selfish', which comes from 'self' and the suffix '-ish' that characterizes something.
The use of 'selfish' dates back to the early 1700s, with 'unselfish' emerging in the 19th century as its opposite.

Philosophy

Philosophers have long debated the nature of altruism, which is closely related to being unselfish, arguing whether people can truly act without self-interest.
Many ethical theories, including utilitarianism, promote the idea of being unselfish to achieve the greatest good for the greatest number.

Psychology

Research suggests that unselfish behavior can lead to greater happiness and life satisfaction, often termed the 'helper's high.'
Studies show that children can exhibit unselfish tendencies as early as 18 months, indicating that empathy is a fundamental part of human nature.

Cultural Perspectives

Various cultures around the world have values centered around unselfishness, such as the concept of 'Ubuntu' in African cultures, which emphasizes communal responsibility.
In Eastern philosophies, particularly Buddhism, unselfishness is viewed as a key virtue in the pursuit of enlightenment and harmony.

Literature

Classic literature often extols unselfish characters, such as Atticus Finch in 'To Kill a Mockingbird,' who embodies selflessness in his moral stance.
Fairy tales often depict unselfish heroes and heroines whose acts of kindness lead to positive outcomes, reinforcing the idea of selflessness as a virtue.

Translations

Translations of the word "unselfish" in other languages:

🇵🇹 altruísta

🇮🇳 निःस्वार्थ

🇩🇪 selbstlos

🇮🇩 tidak mementingkan diri sendiri

🇺🇦 безкорисливий

🇵🇱 bezinteresowny

🇯🇵 無私

🇫🇷 altruiste

🇪🇸 desinteresado

🇹🇷 fedakâr

🇰🇷 이타적인

🇸🇦 غير أناني

🇨🇿 nezištný

🇸🇰 nezištný

🇨🇳 无私

🇸🇮 nesebičen

🇮🇸 óeigingjarn

🇰🇿 өзін-өзі ойламайтын

🇬🇪 უანგარო

🇦🇿 özünü düşünməyən

🇲🇽 desinteresado

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #16,788, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.

...
16785 celled
16786 mammoth
16787 swan
16788 unselfish
16789 clump
16790 moored
16791 wick
...