Selfish

Pronunciation

• IPA: /ˈsÉ›lfɪʃ/

Origin

From self + -ish

Full definition of selfish

Adjective

1. Holding one’s self-interest as the standard for decision making.
• 1997, John Peniel, The Children Of The Law Of One & The Lost Teachings Of Atlantis, chapter 10, page 127“We all have both a selfish separate self, and an Inner Being that is One with the Universal Spirit. In this sense, every human has a sort of ‘split personality’. We are all kind of what you call ‘schitzy’ with these two sides, these two people living within us. And they are in total opposition. The free will dictates which of these two sides will have its way in our life, at every given moment.”
2. Having regard for oneself above others’ well-being.
• 1922, Ben Travers, A Cuckoo in the Nest Chapter 5, The most rapid and most seductive transition in all human nature is that which attends the palliation of a ravenous appetite....Can those harmless but refined fellow-diners be the selfish cads whose gluttony and personal appearance so raised your contemptuous wrath on your arrival?

Usage notes

Said of people, motives, desires, acts, etc.

Synonyms

• egoistic
• egotistic
• egotistical
• self-centered
• greedy

Antonyms

• altruistic
• philanthropic
• selfless
• unselfish

Derived terms

• selfishly
• selfishness

Anagrams

• hisself