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
Leadership presentations should leverage credibility, reliability, and intimacy while minimizing self-interest in order to persuade the audience.
4.
—
Adrian Dearnell, Forbes, 4 Nov. 2024
Women both lead and cast their votes in a way that's bigger than their own self-interest.
—Marianne Schnall, Forbes, 1 Nov. 2024
Bolton’s take seems more accurate: Trump’s views, which combine longstanding authoritarian impulses with politically convenient positions of more recent vintage, do not reflect any unifying principle other than self-interest.
—Jacob Sullum, Orange County Register, 31 Oct. 2024
The truth is there, but its concealment arises from what makes testimony imprecise and evidence incomplete—namely, the failure to account for the personalities and self-interest of its observers, for the subjectivity that stands in the way of objective fact.
—Richard Brody, The New Yorker, 30 Oct. 2024
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.
Adrian Dearnell, Forbes, 4 Nov. 2024
Women both lead and cast their votes in a way that's bigger than their own self-interest.
—Marianne Schnall, Forbes, 1 Nov. 2024
Bolton’s take seems more accurate: Trump’s views, which combine longstanding authoritarian impulses with politically convenient positions of more recent vintage, do not reflect any unifying principle other than self-interest.
—Jacob Sullum, Orange County Register, 31 Oct. 2024
The truth is there, but its concealment arises from what makes testimony imprecise and evidence incomplete—namely, the failure to account for the personalities and self-interest of its observers, for the subjectivity that stands in the way of objective fact.
—Richard Brody, The New Yorker, 30 Oct. 2024
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 30 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share