selfless

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "selfless" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe someone whose actions are performed for the greater good without expecting anything in return. Example: He was a selfless person, always putting the needs of others before his own.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"I am just so grateful to everyone in the Liberal and National parties who have supported my campaign, to Tony Abbott, I repeat my overwhelming thanks for his selfless generosity and mentorship".

The Guardian

Hugh Quarshie's long-suffering character has seen and suffered so much since he joined the soap in 2001 that he feels like the personification of the best of the NHS: wearily irritable, still just about hanging on despite 25 government-initiated reorganizations (I exaggerate, but not much), still good at his job and still trying to be selfless - against the odds.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

SDLP councillor John Boyle said: "This selfless heroine put the lives of her passengers and people living around ahead of herself".

The Guardian

Altruism in its purest form should be an entirely selfless action.

The Guardian

For inspiring us with your selfless duty and service and for making us proud to be British".

The Guardian - Music

"If you're a mother there is an additional selfless need to do the best for children, which isn't possible if your prime concern is alcohol.

The Guardian

Many in the Sikh community said their defence of their own and others' places of worship was an illustration of their commitment to seva, a belief in selfless service.

The Guardian

A bus driver has been labelled a "selfless heroine" after risking her life to stop a bomb placed on her vehicle exploding outside Derry's main police station.

The Guardian

Wright says that behind Potter's unearthly physical feats was an individual who was deeply selfless with his ability.

The Guardian - Sport

Most players will tell you he was an adorable guy to have in your team and, unlike many forwards, selfless.

The Guardian - Sport

Sean Neeson should remember that Moses may not have entered the Promised Land but history has been kind to the selfless and faithful prophet of the Old Testament.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "selfless" to describe actions or individuals demonstrating genuine concern for others without expecting personal gain. Ensure the context clearly indicates a lack of selfish motivation.

Common error

Avoid using "selfless" when describing actions that, while appearing generous, ultimately serve a hidden personal agenda. Ensure the action is genuinely motivated by the well-being of others.

Linguistic Context

The adjective "selfless" primarily functions to describe a quality or characteristic of a person, action, or behavior. It indicates that the subject is motivated by concern for others rather than personal gain. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is accurate to describe actions performed for the greater good without expecting any returns.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Formal & Business

10%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The adjective "selfless" describes actions or individuals motivated by concern for others, lacking selfish intent. Ludwig AI confirms its accurate usage in describing acts for the greater good. It’s grammatically sound and widely used, particularly in News & Media, as highlighted by sources like The Guardian and The Economist. While synonyms like "altruistic" and "unselfish" exist, understanding its nuanced meaning ensures appropriate application. Remember to avoid misattributing actions and neglecting personal needs in the pursuit of "selfless" behavior.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Altruistic

Indicates a direct synonym, focusing on the principle or practice of unselfish concern for or devotion to the welfare of others.

Unselfish

Emphasizes the absence of selfish motives, highlighting concern for others' needs above one's own.

Self-sacrificing

Implies a willingness to give up personal comforts or advantages for the sake of others.

Philanthropic

Suggests active efforts to promote human welfare, often through charitable giving or service.

Benevolent

Highlights kindness and a desire to do good, often in a position of power or influence.

Compassionate

Focuses on empathy and a deep understanding of others' suffering, leading to acts of kindness.

Humanitarian

Refers to actions aimed at improving the lives of others, especially in response to crises or disasters.

Public-spirited

Indicates a concern for the welfare of the community and a willingness to contribute to its betterment.

Charitable

Implies generosity and a willingness to give to those in need, often through donations or volunteer work.

Considerate

Highlights thoughtfulness and awareness of others' feelings and needs, leading to kind and helpful actions.

FAQs

How can I use "selfless" in a sentence?

You can use "selfless" to describe a person or action, for example: "She is a "selfless" volunteer who dedicates her time to helping the homeless" or "His "selfless" act of donating his kidney saved his brother's life".

What are some synonyms for "selfless"?

Synonyms for "selfless" include "altruistic", "unselfish", and "self-sacrificing". The best choice depends on the specific context.

What is the difference between "selfless" and "generous"?

"Selfless" implies a complete lack of concern for oneself, while "generous" suggests a willingness to share resources or possessions. A generous act may still provide personal satisfaction, whereas a selfless act is purely for the benefit of others.

Is it always positive to be "selfless"?

While generally positive, excessive selflessness can lead to neglecting one's own needs and well-being. A balance between helping others and self-care is important. Extreme selflessness might be viewed as "martyrdom", which is not always healthy.