selflessness

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "selflessness" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the quality of being more concerned about the needs and wishes of others than about one's own. Example: "Her selflessness was evident when she volunteered to help the less fortunate without expecting anything in return."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The two arguments do not however show that emptiness per se is empty, nor do they show that the selflessness is itself selfless.

SEP

And Brown has acted with decency and selflessness in offering to stand down now, in the hope of securing a deal between Labour and the Lib Dems.

The Guardian - Opinion

Not that this should be seen as an uncharacteristic act of selflessness, rather perhaps as an insurance policy in case Royce wins the mayoral race: then Valchek would have some leverage over Herc, who has leverage over Royce.

The Guardian

"It's a reminder of selflessness and cooperative behavior and goodness," he said.

The New York Times

An act of selflessness, perhaps, but also one of desperation.Alzheimer's disease is one of those things that policymakers would rather hide from.

The Economist

China's selflessness, Britain's prime minister, Tony Blair, has said, is something to which tribute should be paid.

The Economist

It was noted that, for all his selflessness, he fled to the Bahamas and took British citizenship in 1968 to avoid American taxes.

The Economist

Economists, typically baffled by selflessness, have tended to hunt for hidden self-interest in apparent altruism.

The Economist

All this was good preparation for the defiance she was to show after 1939, when the Germans invaded.She was, a friend said, "born to selflessness, not called to it".

The Economist

It also stood for noble virtues like honour, duty, progressiveness, efficiency, selflessness and, yes, tolerance; modern Germans would do well to emulate these.

The Economist

It argued that whereas companies once lobbied for public goods such as better roads, they are now more inclined to press for company-specific, or at best industry-specific, benefits.A classic case of selfish lobbying wrapped in a cloak of selflessness was the Medicare Modernisation Act of 2003.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When contrasting it with "selfishness", ensure the context clearly highlights the opposition between prioritizing oneself versus prioritizing others.

Common error

Don't confuse "selflessness" with simply being helpful or polite. "Selflessness" implies a deeper sacrifice or dedication to others, beyond ordinary acts of kindness. Overusing it for minor acts dilutes its meaning.

Linguistic Context

The word "selflessness" functions primarily as a noun, denoting the quality or state of being selfless. It is used to describe a characteristic or behavior, as evidenced by Ludwig AI, showcasing its role in attributing a quality to actions or individuals.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Encyclopedias

25%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Wiki

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "selflessness" is a noun that describes the quality of prioritizing others' needs over one's own. Ludwig AI confirms that it's grammatically correct and frequently used. It appears most commonly in news, encyclopedias, and scientific contexts, serving to praise and inspire. While similar to altruism and generosity, it specifically emphasizes the absence of self-interest. When using this term, ensure the context warrants its strong connotation of sacrifice and dedication. Overall, "selflessness" is a valued concept across many areas.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unselfishness

Directly negates selfishness, emphasizing the lack of self-centeredness.

altruism

Emphasizes disinterested and selfless concern for the well-being of others.

self-sacrifice

Highlights the act of giving up one's own interests for the sake of others.

generosity of spirit

Focuses on the magnanimous and giving nature of a person.

compassion

Highlights the emotional aspect of understanding and caring for others' suffering.

benevolence

Stresses the desire to do good to others; acts of kindness or charity.

magnanimity

Implies greatness of spirit and generosity, especially in forgiving injury or insult.

humanitarianism

Focuses on promoting human welfare and social reform.

philanthropy

Highlights the active effort to promote human welfare, often through charitable giving.

public-spiritedness

Emphasizes concern for the welfare of the community and a willingness to work for it.

FAQs

How is "selflessness" different from altruism?

"Selflessness" and "altruism" are very similar, both referring to acting in the interest of others. Altruism is the principle or practice of concern for others' welfare, while "selflessness" is the quality of being unconcerned with one's own interests when helping others. They're often used interchangeably.

What's the difference between "selflessness" and empathy?

Empathy is understanding and sharing the feelings of another, while "selflessness" is acting on that understanding by prioritizing their needs. Empathy is a feeling, while "selflessness" is a behavior that can arise from empathy.

How can I use "selflessness" in a sentence?

You can use "selflessness" to describe someone's actions or character. For example: "Her "selflessness" was evident in her dedication to volunteering" or "He displayed remarkable "selflessness" by donating his kidney to a stranger".

What are some synonyms for "selflessness"?

Some synonyms for "selflessness" include "altruism", "self-sacrifice", "generosity", and "unselfishness". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.