Synonyms for
Selfishness
Definition
Selfishness is the quality of being concerned only about oneself and not caring about others.
Synonyms & similar words
Synonyms by register
Informal
Literary
Antonyms
Common collocations
- extreme selfishness
- utter selfishness
- pure selfishness
- selfishness and greed
- selfishness of the rich
- selfishness of the poor
- a lack of selfishness
Word family
Usage note
Selfishness generally carries a negative connotation, implying an excessive concern for one's own needs or desires at the expense of others. It is distinct from self-interest, which can be a neutral or even positive trait.
Example sentences
- His selfishness made him take all the cookies for himself.
- She didn't share her toys because of her selfishness.
- Selfishness can lead to a lack of friends.
- The coach was disappointed in the selfishness of his star player.
- His selfishness was the reason for his failed marriage.
Quotes
Selfishness is not living as one wishes to live, it is asking others to live as one wishes to live. - Oscar Wilde
The selfishness must be discovered and understood before it can be removed. It is powerless to remove itself, neither will it pass away of itself. Darkness ceases only when light is introduced; so ignorance can only be dispersed by Knowledge; selfishness by Love. - James Allen
Selfishness is that detestable vice which no one will forgive in others, and no one is without in himself. - Henry Ward Beecher