Synonyms of selfishness

selfishness

noun

ˈsel-fish-nəs 

as in selfness

excessive interest in oneself

the only reason for constantly ignoring everyone else's problems is selfishness

Synonyms & Similar Words

• selfness
• vanity
• egoism
• ego
• pridefulness
• narcissism
• self-interest
• self-centeredness
• egocentrism
• egocentricity
• egotism
• self-absorption
• egomania
• self-involvement
• self-concern
• self-preoccupation
• pride
• smugness
• navel-gazing
• self-regard
• vainness
• complacency
• vainglory
• self-satisfaction
• self-love
• conceitedness
• self-conceit
• self-sufficiency
• self-respect
• self-admiration
• complacence
• pompousness
• pomposity
• self-importance
• conceit
• self-indulgence
• vaingloriousness
• self-glorification
• self-contentment
• self-content
• self-esteem
• self-consequence
• self-assumption
• self-partiality

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• selflessness
• unselfishness
• generosity
• altruism
• magnanimity
• fairness
• self-sacrifice
• neutrality
• objectivity
• detachment
• impartiality
• disinterestedness
• self-forgetfulness
• self-abandonment
• self-flagellation
• self-annihilation
• self-immolation

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of selfishness

Defeating the dragon and reclaiming the treasure represents the restoration of order and the triumph of generosity over selfishness. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 24 July 2026

Feelings from optimism to selfishness to lust are all neatly captured with song and dance. — Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 6 July 2026

After Portugal’s 1-1 tie against DR Congo, Henry explained the selfishness of Cristiano Ronaldo’s movement, not opening space for a teammate. — Andrew Marchand, New York Times, 18 June 2026

Claire’s elective death therefore remains a problematic choice for some viewers, an act of vainglorious selfishness from a woman who was never terribly nice to begin with. — Leslie Felperin, HollywoodReporter, 24 May 2026