self-interest
noun
self-in·ter·est
ˌself-ˈin-t(ə-)rəst 
-ˈin-tə-ˌrest,
-ˌtrest;
-ˈin-tərst
1
: a concern for one's own advantage and well-being
acted out of self-interest and fear
2
: one's own interest or advantage
self-interest requires that we be generous in foreign aid
self-interestedly
adverb
self-interestedness
noun
Examples of self-interest in a Sentence
her degree of self-interest is perhaps best reflected in her favorite topic of conversation—herself
Recent Examples on the Web
The only reason these elites have spun this toxic web of deception is political: to advance their own self-interest, to win elections, and to consolidate power.
—
James Unnever and Wayne Genthner, The Orlando Sentinel, 4 Apr. 2025
Even as a matter of pure self-interest, the benefit for U.S. companies of being able to appeal to such a law when asked to pay bribes isn’t one that should be abandoned lightly.
—Bloomberg Opinion, Twin Cities, 3 Apr. 2025
Employees will be far more focused on pleasing the boss and protecting their own self-interests and status within the organization.
—Joe Altieri, Forbes.com, 3 Apr. 2025
Critics both inside and outside law firms say the firms are choosing money over morals and self-interest over the Constitution.
—Henry Gass, Christian Science Monitor, 3 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for self-interest
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James Unnever and Wayne Genthner, The Orlando Sentinel, 4 Apr. 2025
Even as a matter of pure self-interest, the benefit for U.S. companies of being able to appeal to such a law when asked to pay bribes isn’t one that should be abandoned lightly.
—Bloomberg Opinion, Twin Cities, 3 Apr. 2025
Employees will be far more focused on pleasing the boss and protecting their own self-interests and status within the organization.
—Joe Altieri, Forbes.com, 3 Apr. 2025
Critics both inside and outside law firms say the firms are choosing money over morals and self-interest over the Constitution.
—Henry Gass, Christian Science Monitor, 3 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for self-interest
Cite this Entry
“Self-interest.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/self-interest. Accessed 16 Apr. 2025.
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