unselfish act

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "unselfish act" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an action that is done for the benefit of others without regard for one's own interests. Example: "Her decision to donate her entire bonus to charity was truly an unselfish act that inspired everyone around her."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Books

Sports

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

"No, because it's such an unselfish act.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

It's about giving each other something, it's giving something away and it should be a most unselfish act.

Independent

Saving a dog that needs a home or had been mistreated by a previous owner is an unselfish act.

The New York Times

Knowing my son was loved and cared for, knowing that I helped create a family, knowing that I completed this one unselfish act, was all I could see with my birth-mother eyes for many years.

The New York Times

Griffiths said: "We were trying to link up as much as we could and I can't thank the big man enough for his very unselfish act running through on goal.

The Guardian - Sport

Such a woman is never far from the necessity to cook or abstain from food, to perform an unselfish act, to exercise tolerance and self-sacrifice in relationships that define the core of our cultural conception of love.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

Yet Gerhard is also capable of unselfish acts.

The New York Times - Books

"What I was moved by -- as most Americans were -- were the unselfish acts of the firefighters," said Michael H. Feuer, chief executive of OfficeMax, which has pledged $1 million for scholarships for the rescuers' families.

The New York Times

Each honoree, selected from mailed-in nominations for their achievements and heroic and unselfish acts, received a glass trophy etched with the bust of Michelangelo's sculpture of the biblical giant slayer.

The New York Times

Only there, delight and stillness ... the only rewards of our existence here are an unstained character and unselfish acts".

Wikipedia

Join the movement and celebrate that day; ask people to post "Unselfie" photos and do unselfish acts.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a situation where someone prioritizes others' needs, use "unselfish act" to emphasize their selflessness. For example: "Donating blood is an "unselfish act" that can save lives."

Common error

Avoid portraying "unselfish acts" as inherently detrimental to the giver. While selflessness involves prioritizing others, it shouldn't be at the expense of one's well-being. Ensure the context acknowledges a healthy balance between helping others and practicing self-care.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "unselfish act" functions as a noun phrase, where the adjective "unselfish" modifies the noun "act". Ludwig AI indicates that is a correct and usable phrase. It typically serves to describe a specific action characterized by altruism.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Sports

20%

Books

10%

Less common in

Academia

7%

Wiki

7%

Science

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "unselfish act" is a commonly used and grammatically sound expression that describes an action performed with the primary intention of benefiting others. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is widely accepted and used across various contexts, particularly in News & Media and Sports reporting. Alternative expressions like "altruistic deed" or "selfless gesture" can add variety to your writing. When using this phrase, ensure the action genuinely reflects a lack of self-interest and avoid portraying such acts as inherently self-detrimental. Remember, the essence of an "unselfish act" lies in its genuine intent to contribute to the well-being of others.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Altruistic deed

Emphasizes the selfless nature of the action, similar to "unselfish act" but uses a different noun.

Selfless gesture

Focuses on the outward expression of selflessness through the action.

Benevolent action

Highlights the kindness and goodwill behind the action.

Generous deed

Stresses the liberality and willingness to give that characterizes the action.

Kind act

A simpler, more general way of describing a helpful or compassionate action.

Compassionate action

Highlights the empathy and caring involved in the action.

Humanitarian gesture

Indicates that the action is aimed at improving the welfare of others, particularly on a large scale.

Noble deed

Suggests that the action is morally good and worthy of admiration.

Disinterested action

Emphasizes the lack of personal gain or self-interest in the action.

Self-sacrificing deed

Highlights the personal cost or sacrifice involved in performing the action.

FAQs

How can I use "unselfish act" in a sentence?

You can use "unselfish act" to describe actions where someone prioritizes others' needs above their own. For example: "Volunteering at the homeless shelter was an "unselfish act" that made a significant difference."

What are some alternatives to "unselfish act"?

Alternatives include "altruistic deed", "selfless gesture", or "benevolent action", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is there a difference between a "selfless act" and an "unselfish act"?

The terms "selfless act" and "unselfish act" are largely synonymous. Both describe actions done for the benefit of others without concern for personal gain. The choice between them often comes down to stylistic preference.

Can "unselfish act" be used in formal writing?

Yes, "unselfish act" is appropriate for formal writing. It's a clear and widely understood phrase for describing altruistic behavior. However, consider using more formal synonyms like "altruistic deed" in highly academic or professional contexts.