selfish

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'selfish' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe someone who acts out of their own self-interest, rather than considering the needs of others. For example: 'He was so selfish that he didn't even take the time to consider how his behavior would affect the people around him.'.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Am I being selfish?

The New York Times

Sadly, Pat, our supremely selfish protagonist, is the only truly fleshed-out character in the film.

The Guardian - Film

"Maybe the Caley ones in a selfish sense, because we realised we would be involved.

The Guardian - Sport

We see that all whales are selfish idiots.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The questions economists seek to answer, the tools they use to help find the answers (that's principally maths, rather than the applied topics that research suggests women are drawn to), the standard assumptions they make along the way (that people are emotionless, free and selfish), and the things they choose to measure all reflect a traditional and stereotypical male way of looking at the world.

The Guardian

On the best interpretation Powell, a man of strong imperialist sympathies, was ungenerous in treating the post-imperial human legacy with such cynical or at least selfish disregard.

The Guardian

Authenticity has a cohort of semantic fellow-travellers – such as "spontaneity", which is engaging enough in small doses, in dogs and children, but tiresome and selfish in any stretch from adults.

The Guardian - Books

The greedy, selfish "development" has worsened, instead of alleviating, its two biggest headaches: housing and traffic.

The Guardian

According to sector thinktank nfpSynergy to help people be altruistic, "we need them to be selfish" Volunteering has a rich history, traceable in Britain at least back to medieval times, when there was a strong association between religion and ministration to the poor and sick.

The Guardian

For Ibrahim, the government's response was another myopic and selfish attempt to curry favour with religious right-wing elements, which represent a growing electorate base for the ruling party, and another "deliberate attempt to provoke religious tensions to give a pretext to clamp down on civil liberties and justify the continuation of the same old race-based policies of the past".

The Guardian - Opinion

The lasting effect of all this is that my brother's long-term partner cannot stand to be with my dad, as she feels his behaviour and attitude has been selfish and unacceptable, while my wife has witnessed the grief that my brother and I have suffered while he was away and has no love for him either, combined with a feeling that his reason for being in Thailand is rather seedy.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "selfish", provide context to clarify the specific behavior or attitude that is considered self-serving, this allows for more nuanced understanding and avoids blanket judgment.

Common error

Avoid labeling individuals as inherently "selfish" based on a single action. Focus instead on the specific instances where self-interest outweighs consideration for others.

Linguistic Context

The adjective "selfish" primarily functions to describe a person, action, or motive characterized by excessive concern for one's own welfare, disregarding or harming others. Ludwig AI confirms this through numerous examples where "selfish" is used to qualify behaviors and decisions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Formal & Business

19%

Science

9%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The adjective "selfish" is a commonly used term to describe actions or individuals primarily motivated by self-interest, often to the detriment of others. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically correct and frequently employed across various contexts, particularly in News & Media. While generally carrying a negative connotation, it's important to contextualize the use of "selfish" to avoid overgeneralization. Alternatives like "self-centered", "egoistic", and "self-absorbed" offer nuanced ways to express similar meanings. When using "selfish", consider providing specific details about the behavior or attitude in question to ensure clear and fair communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

self-centered

Focuses on an individual's own needs and concerns, often to the exclusion of others.

egoistic

Highlights the prioritization of one's ego and self-importance above all else.

self-absorbed

Implies a preoccupation with oneself, often showing a lack of awareness of others.

greedy

Emphasizes an excessive desire for possessions or power, often at others' expense.

egotistical

Indicates an inflated sense of self-worth and a tendency to boast.

self-seeking

Describes someone who actively pursues their own advantage, often disregarding ethical considerations.

narcissistic

Suggests a pathological level of self-admiration and a need for admiration from others.

ungenerous

Highlights a lack of willingness to share or give, both materially and emotionally.

parochial

Suggests a narrow focus on one's own interests or group, lacking a broader perspective.

inconsiderate

Focuses on the lack of concern for the feelings or needs of others.

FAQs

How can I use "selfish" in a sentence?

You can use "selfish" to describe someone who prioritizes their own needs over others, for example: "His "selfish behavior" alienated his friends."

What are some alternative words for "selfish"?

Alternatives to "selfish" include "self-centered", "egoistic", or "self-absorbed", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always negative to be described as "selfish"?

While generally negative, the term "selfish" can sometimes be used to describe necessary self-care or prioritizing one's own well-being, although it requires careful contextualization.

What's the difference between "selfish" and "selfless"?

"Selfish" describes someone who prioritizes their own needs, while "selfless" describes someone who prioritizes the needs of others above their own.