selfish desires

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "selfish desires" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe wants or cravings that prioritize one's own interests over others, often at the expense of others' needs or feelings. Example: "His selfish desires led him to make choices that hurt those around him."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

30 human-written examples

"She lives alone, doesn't have selfish desires and has no family to corrupt her," he said.

The New York Times

People who live by the Good Person Construct try to balance their virtuous self-image with their selfish desires.

The New York Times

On this view, someone who devoted his life to nothing but satisfying his selfish desires would be entirely happy.

The New York Times

Ultimately, the story's conflict of technology with reality turns into one of expectations versus reality — of selfish desires conflicting with the needs of others.

The New Yorker

Purity is, in his view, a moral system that promotes the goals of controlling selfish desires and acting in a religiously approved way.

The New York Times - Science

Ultimately, the story's conflict of technology with reality turns into one of expectations versus reality of selfish desires conflicting with the needs of others.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

30 human-written examples

Hope was only a selfish desire for absolution.

The New Yorker

"I'd say I have more of a selfish desire now when it comes to work," he admits.

Independent

Speaking in the current issue of Doctor Who magazine, he said: "It was really down to an entirely selfish desire.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Overwhelmed by "a selfish desire to add colour to my world", she knitted her shop a door handle.

The Guardian - Arts

But Jones's selfish desire to keep his Radio City date deservedly signifies a change in how we should view Jones.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing ethical dilemmas, use "selfish desires" to clearly denote motivations driven by personal gain rather than moral considerations. For example, in an argument about resource allocation, stating that decisions were influenced by "selfish desires" is more direct than saying they were merely 'self-interested'.

Common error

Avoid using "selfish desires" interchangeably with normal aspirations. While pursuing a promotion is a desire, labeling it as a "selfish desire" might unfairly characterize ambition as inherently negative, rather than simply a personal goal.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "selfish desires" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often acting as the subject or object of a sentence. As Ludwig AI also indicates, the phrase is commonly used and grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Formal & Business

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "selfish desires" is a commonly used and grammatically sound expression, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It serves to describe motivations characterized by a prioritization of personal gain over the well-being or needs of others. Although the phrase is acceptable in both formal and informal contexts, it carries a primarily neutral register, and is frequently used in contexts such as News & Media, Science, and Wiki. It is important to note that while the term is widely used, it is crucial to use it appropriately, avoiding the mischaracterization of ambition or personal goals as inherently negative.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

self-centered needs

Focuses on the self-centered aspect of the needs, putting oneself at the center.

own interests

A more general term to refer to personal benefits or advantage. In some contexts it could be related to greediness.

self-serving ambitions

Emphasizes the ambitious and self-centered nature of the desires.

self-gratifying urges

Emphasizes the aspect of self-gratification, focusing on personal pleasure.

egocentric cravings

Highlights the egocentric nature of these cravings, focusing on self-importance.

self-regard

A more succinct way of referring to selfishness, involving considering oneself as a priority.

narcissistic wants

Connects the desires to narcissism, implying an excessive admiration of oneself.

personal indulgences

Highlights the act of indulging oneself and satisfying personal desires.

self-absorption

Implies a total preoccupation with oneself and one's desires, neglecting others.

acquisitive impulses

Focuses on the impulse to acquire things, implying a materialistic desire.

FAQs

How can I use "selfish desires" in a sentence?

You can use "selfish desires" to describe motivations driven by personal gain, as in: "His "selfish desires" led him to betray his colleagues."

What are some alternatives to "selfish desires"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "self-serving ambitions", "egocentric cravings", or "self-centered needs" to convey similar meanings.

When is it appropriate to use the term "selfish desires"?

Use "selfish desires" when you want to emphasize that someone's wants are being prioritized over the needs or well-being of others, often implying a negative judgment.

What is the difference between "selfish desires" and "personal goals"?

"Selfish desires" typically carry a negative connotation, suggesting that the fulfillment of those desires comes at the expense of others. "Personal goals", on the other hand, are more neutral and simply refer to objectives one sets for oneself.