self serving

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "self serving" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe actions or behaviors that are primarily motivated by one's own interests or benefits, often at the expense of others. Example: "His self-serving attitude during the negotiations made it difficult to reach a fair agreement."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

She's self serving.

The Guardian - Tech

His "memos" are self serving and FAKE!

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

It's too close to self-serving.

The New Yorker

Pray with right motives, not self-serving.

WikiHow

(Self-serving too, of course).

The New York Times

He has a (self-serving) point.

The Economist

Others dismiss these objections as self-serving.

The New York Times - Magazine

THE unconvincing versus the self-serving.

The Economist

Clipse find Oprah's campaign self-serving.

The Guardian - Music

Self-serving, to be sure.

Forbes

Mylan Board: Icahn Offer 'Self-Serving'.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "self serving", ensure the context clearly indicates that the actions benefit the individual at the potential expense of others. Avoid using it when actions are simply beneficial to the individual without negative consequences for anyone else.

Common error

Avoid labeling actions as "self serving" when they are simply acts of self-care or prioritizing one's own needs in a healthy way. The term should be reserved for situations where the benefit is gained unfairly or at another's expense.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "self serving" primarily functions as an adjective, modifying nouns to describe actions, behaviors, or motives driven by personal gain, often to the detriment of others. Ludwig AI confirms this usage, highlighting its role in depicting ethically questionable conduct.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "self serving" is a commonly used adjective to describe actions primarily motivated by personal gain, often at the expense of others. Ludwig AI confirms its correct grammatical standing and widespread usage. While generally carrying a negative connotation, it's important to distinguish it from mere self-interest or healthy self-care. Related terms include "selfish", "self-seeking", and "opportunistic", each with slightly different nuances. Usage examples from news media and general reference sources, like those in the provided examples, demonstrate its application in various contexts. When writing, ensure the context accurately reflects actions that unfairly benefit oneself to another's detriment to avoid misinterpreting simple self-care as a "self serving" act.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

self-seeking

Focuses more on actively pursuing one's own advantage.

selfish

A general term for prioritizing oneself over others.

opportunistic

Highlights exploiting circumstances for personal gain.

egocentric

Emphasizes a focus on oneself, potentially neglecting others.

narcissistic

Implies excessive self-admiration and a need for admiration from others.

calculating

Emphasizes a strategic approach to achieving personal goals.

mercenary

Suggests being primarily motivated by financial gain.

expedient

Suggests prioritizing immediate practical advantages.

materialistic

Focuses on the pursuit of possessions and wealth.

pragmatic

Highlights a practical, results-oriented approach, which may sometimes be perceived as "self serving".

FAQs

How can I use "self serving" in a sentence?

Use "self serving" to describe actions or behaviors primarily motivated by personal benefit, often at the expense of others. For example, "His "self serving attitude" during the negotiation made it difficult to reach a fair agreement".

What words can I use instead of "self serving"?

You can use alternatives like "selfish", "self seeking", or "opportunistic" depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it always negative to be "self serving"?

The term "self serving" generally carries a negative connotation, implying that one's actions prioritize personal gain over fairness or the well-being of others. However, in certain competitive contexts, a degree of self-interest might be expected.

What is the difference between "self serving" and "self-interested"?

"Self-interested" is a more neutral term indicating a focus on one's own advantage, while "self serving" implies that this focus is excessive and potentially harmful to others. "Self-interested" can be a normal human behaviour, while "self serving" almost always carries a negative judgment.