Unselfishness: meaning, definitions and examples

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unselfishness

 

[ ˌʌnˈsɛlfɪʃnəs ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

personal qualities

Unselfishness is the quality of being considerate of other people's needs and putting their needs before your own. It involves sacrificing your own desires for the greater good.

Synonyms

altruism, generosity, selflessness.

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Word Description / Examples
unselfishness

Used to describe a general attitude or behavior where someone consistently thinks of others before themselves. Often used in broader, everyday contexts.

  • Her unselfishness is evident in the way she always helps her friends.
  • Unselfishness is a quality that makes a community stronger.
selflessness

Emphasizes the absence of selfishness and personal gain, indicating actions that are purely for the benefit of others. Often used to describe profound or heroic acts.

  • His selflessness during the crisis saved many lives.
  • Selflessness is a trait highly valued in leaders.
altruism

Refers to a philosophical or ethical stance that prioritizes the well-being of others, sometimes at a personal cost. Commonly used in more formal or academic contexts.

  • His altruism motivated him to donate half of his income to charity.
  • Altruism can be observed in many acts of kindness in society.
generosity

Focuses on the act of giving or sharing resources freely and willingly. Often used when referring to specific acts or gestures.

  • She showed her generosity by giving food to the homeless.
  • His generosity knows no bounds; he often supports various community projects.

Examples of usage

  • She always prioritizes others over herself, demonstrating true unselfishness.
  • His unselfishness in helping those in need is truly admirable.
  • Unselfishness is a rare trait in today's society.
  • Her unselfishness and generosity have earned her the respect of many.
  • Unselfishness is often a key component in building strong relationships.

Translations

Translations of the word "unselfishness" in other languages:

🇵🇹 altruísmo

🇮🇳 निःस्वार्थता

🇩🇪 Selbstlosigkeit

🇮🇩 ketidakpamrihan

🇺🇦 безкорисливість

🇵🇱 bezinteresowność

🇯🇵 無私

🇫🇷 altruisme

🇪🇸 altruismo

🇹🇷 fedakarlık

🇰🇷 이타심

🇸🇦 إيثار

🇨🇿 nesobeckost

🇸🇰 nezištnosť

🇨🇳 无私

🇸🇮 nesebičnost

🇮🇸 ósérhlífni

🇰🇿 өзгелерге қамқорлық

🇬🇪 არსებობა

🇦🇿 fədakarlıq

🇲🇽 altruismo

Etymology

The word 'unselfishness' originated from the combination of the prefix 'un-' (meaning 'not') and the word 'selfishness.' The concept of unselfishness has been praised in various cultures and religions throughout history, emphasizing the importance of considering others' needs and well-being. Philosophers and thinkers have long debated the virtues of unselfishness and its role in creating a more compassionate society.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #26,704, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.