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
Synonyms
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
Believes in Being a Team Player A sign of a potentially good parent is someone who puts their self-interests aside and focuses on the well-being of others, says Chicvak.
—
Michelle Felder, Lcsw, Parents, 30 Jan. 2025
Boohoo, for its part, has been arguing that Frasers is acting in its own commercial self-interest and not in the interests of its shareholders.
—Robert Olsen, Forbes, 23 Jan. 2025
Too often, their political self-preservation takes precedence over their community’s self-interest.
—Juan Rangel, Twin Cities, 22 Jan. 2025
But that's just Trump's political nature, where ideology always bends to self-interest.
—Raul A. Reyes, Newsweek, 22 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for self-interest 
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Michelle Felder, Lcsw, Parents, 30 Jan. 2025
Boohoo, for its part, has been arguing that Frasers is acting in its own commercial self-interest and not in the interests of its shareholders.
—Robert Olsen, Forbes, 23 Jan. 2025
Too often, their political self-preservation takes precedence over their community’s self-interest.
—Juan Rangel, Twin Cities, 22 Jan. 2025
But that's just Trump's political nature, where ideology always bends to self-interest.
—Raul A. Reyes, Newsweek, 22 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for self-interest
Dictionary Entries Near self-interest
Cite this Entry
“Self-interest.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/self-interest. Accessed 2 Feb. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share