selfishness

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "selfishness" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the quality of being concerned excessively or exclusively with oneself, often at the expense of others. Example: "Her selfishness was evident when she refused to share her toys with her friends."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

As a consequence of Westminster, Britishness has unfortunately become associated with greed and selfishness.

The Guardian

Moreover, anything that does not promote competitiveness, selfishness and greed is seen as dysfunctional.

The Guardian - Opinion

For those who point to Obama's changes in policy, such as the executive order closing Gitmo or launching an justice department probe into the CIA's illegal interrogations, the memory of the Bush administration's violence and bullish selfishness, as well as continued military campaigns, explain why many Muslim communities continue to hold a unfavorable opinion of the US.

The Guardian - Opinion

The "Great American Novel" about class, money, decadence, money, obsession, selfishness, passion, money, clothes and money.

The Guardian - Books

Simon then added that "the anger and the selfishness and the brutality" needed to cease.

The Guardian - Opinion

When officials talk about thugs, they should look closer to home: the "anger and the selfishness and the brutality" that Simon should have been criticising is that which has been coming from the Baltimore Police Department for years, not strictly that seen on the streets last night.

The Guardian - Opinion

That would help with the next generation, but it's the current crop of speeding rudeboys high on a cocktail of fury and��selfishness who are the problem, and they are unlikely to think they need any training.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"I've played with guys with all forms of mental illness," he says, spotting OCD tendencies in some and selfishness bordering on Asperger's in others.

The Guardian - Sport

"We believe that driving a vehicle is a high pressured activity where our values may be compromised by exposure to selfishness, road-rage, bad language and other inappropriate behaviour," they said.

The Guardian

A consistent critic of nationalism – or what Rabindranath Tagore presciently called "organized selfishness" – Ananthamurthy claimed late last year that he would not want to live in a country whose prime minister was an authoritarian-minded man with fascist supporters.

The Guardian - Opinion

One minister accused campaigners, including the National Trust, of "nihilistic selfishness", arguing that a chronic shortage of new homes only hurts future generations.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing the impact of "selfishness" on a group or society, provide specific examples to illustrate its negative consequences. General statements can lack impact without concrete evidence.

Common error

Avoid labeling necessary self-care as "selfishness". Prioritizing your well-being isn't inherently negative; it becomes problematic when it consistently disregards the needs and rights of others.

Linguistic Context

The word "selfishness" functions primarily as a noun, denoting the quality or state of being selfish. Ludwig AI confirms it is grammatically correct, as demonstrated by the examples provided, where it acts as the subject or object of a sentence.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "selfishness" is a commonly used noun that describes the quality of prioritizing oneself, often at the expense of others. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and frequently appears in news and media, formal business contexts, and scientific discussions. While the term carries a negative connotation, its usage is widespread. Remember to distinguish self-care from "selfishness" and illustrate your arguments with concrete examples to maximize impact. Consider alternatives like "self-centeredness" or "egoism" to refine your message and accurately express your intent.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

self-centeredness

Focuses on the individual's perspective as the primary concern, similar to "selfishness" but emphasizes viewpoint.

egoism

Highlights the philosophical aspect of self-interest as the foundation of morality, unlike the negative connotation of "selfishness".

narcissism

Implies an excessive admiration of oneself, going beyond simply prioritizing oneself as in "selfishness".

self-interest

A neutral term for pursuing one's own advantage, whereas "selfishness" has a negative connotation.

greed

Suggests an excessive desire for wealth or possessions, a specific type of "selfishness".

avarice

A more formal and intense form of greed, focusing on hoarding wealth, which is a type of "selfishness".

self-seeking

Describes actively pursuing one's own advantage, whereas "selfishness" is a state of being.

opportunism

Focuses on taking advantage of opportunities for personal gain, suggesting a strategic element not always present in "selfishness".

self-absorption

Implies being preoccupied with oneself, often to the exclusion of others, which can lead to "selfishness".

lack of empathy

Highlights the absence of consideration for others' feelings, a root cause of "selfishness".

FAQs

How can I use the word "selfishness" in a sentence?

"Selfishness" is typically used as a noun. For example: "His "selfishness" led to the downfall of the team", or "The root of many societal problems is "selfishness"".

What is a good antonym for "selfishness"?

A good antonym for "selfishness" is "selflessness", which describes the quality of concerning oneself more with the needs and wishes of others than with one's own.

What's the difference between "selfishness" and "self-interest"?

"Self-interest" is pursuing one's own well-being or advantage, while "selfishness" implies doing so at the expense of others. "Self-interest" is not necessarily harmful, but "selfishness" carries a negative connotation.

Is "selfishness" always considered a negative trait?

Generally, yes. "Selfishness" is viewed negatively because it suggests a lack of consideration for others' needs and can lead to unfair or harmful behavior. However, some degree of self-interest is considered normal and even necessary for survival.