selfless decision

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "selfless decision" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a choice made with the consideration of others' needs or well-being, rather than one's own interests. Example: "Her selfless decision to donate her savings to the charity made a significant impact on the community."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

It was a brave, caring, selfless decision.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

This would reduce the probability that a selfless decision today would lead to a future tragedy.

The New York Times

Loughton said Leadsom's "selfless decision" would allow the party and country to move swiftly towards more stability.

The Guardian

"Doug Hoffman's selfless decision to support Republican nominee Matt Doheny immediately puts Bill Owens and his liberal Democrat backers in Washington on the defensive," said Ken Spain, who is a spokesman for the National Republican Congressional Committee.

The New York Times

This selfless decision leads to the deaths of two-thirds of the inhabitants but saves the surrounding towns, as it did in the case of the historical village that inspired the tale.

The New Yorker

Throughout his agonies Lyle remained positive about his participation in the Ryder Cup, but soon he would be forced to make a brave and selfless decision that would force Tony Jacklin to change his plans.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

I make more selfless decisions out of love because I truly feel the joy that comes with seeing other people happy.

Huffington Post

Ultimately, Shackleton made what Worsley considered "the most selfless and astonishing decision ever in the history of polar exploration" — he turned back.

The New Yorker

Hourly, I battle between crowning that decision selfless or selfish.

Huffington Post

Suppose I claim that pixies always make selfless, enlightened political decisions and that therefore we should entrust our government to pixies.

The New Yorker

It's hard to disentangle the selfish and the selfless in Paul's decision to carry the burden of the secret alone.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a "selfless decision", provide context to highlight the sacrifices or considerations made for others. This adds depth and impact to your writing.

Common error

Avoid portraying a "selfless decision" as neglecting one's own needs entirely. A truly selfless act considers both the needs of others and the sustainability of one's own well-being.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "selfless decision" functions as a descriptive term, characterizing a particular kind of choice. It combines the adjective "selfless", indicating altruism, with the noun "decision", denoting a choice or resolution. Ludwig shows that it highlights the moral quality of the decision-making process.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Science

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "selfless decision" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to describe a choice made primarily for the benefit of others. As Ludwig AI explains, it emphasizes altruism and concern for the well-being of others. While synonymous with terms like "altruistic choice" or "unselfish choice", it's important to use it in contexts that clearly demonstrate the sacrifices or considerations made for others. Avoiding the pitfall of equating selflessness with complete neglect of one's own needs ensures a balanced and impactful message. Predominantly found in news and media sources, the phrase conveys a positive connotation across various registers.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

altruistic choice

Replaces 'selfless' with 'altruistic', highlighting the altruistic nature of the decision.

unselfish choice

Uses 'unselfish' instead of 'selfless', a more direct synonym emphasizing the lack of selfishness.

self-sacrificing choice

Highlights the element of self-sacrifice inherent in the decision.

charitable decision

Focuses on the charitable aspect of the decision, implying generosity and goodwill.

benevolent action

Shifts from 'decision' to 'action', highlighting the positive and kind nature of the act.

disinterested choice

Emphasizes the lack of personal interest or bias in making the choice.

considerate determination

Emphasizes the thoughtfulness and careful consideration involved in the decision-making process.

magnanimous resolution

Uses 'magnanimous' to suggest generosity and nobility in the decision, portraying it as a formal resolution.

philanthropic move

Highlights the philanthropic nature of the decision, connecting it with a broader effort to help others.

humanitarian act

Broadens the scope to a general 'humanitarian act', emphasizing the well-being of others.

FAQs

What does "selfless decision" mean?

A "selfless decision" is a choice made primarily for the benefit of others, often involving personal sacrifice or foregoing personal gain. It prioritizes the well-being of others over one's own interests.

How to use "selfless decision" in a sentence?

You can use "selfless decision" to describe a character's actions in a story or a person's behavior in real life. For example: "Her "selfless decision" to donate her kidney saved her brother's life."

What are some synonyms for "selfless decision"?

Alternatives include "altruistic choice", "unselfish choice", or "self-sacrificing choice", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What is the difference between a "selfless decision" and a "compromise"?

A "selfless decision" involves giving up something for the benefit of others without expecting anything in return. A compromise, on the other hand, involves mutual concessions to reach an agreement.