English dictionary, thesaurus, translations & etymology
FreeDict.com
adj B2 Upper-Intermediate Uncommon

selfless

Selfless (adj) means putting other people's needs before one's own, with little regard for personal gain. Example: “The nurse's selfless dedication impressed the whole ward.”

adj
1
Putting other people's needs before one's own, with little regard for personal gain.
"The nurse's selfless dedication impressed the whole ward."
"It was a truly selfless act to give up his seat on the last flight out."

How to use selfless

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishThinking of others before yourself; the opposite of selfish.

Easily confused with
Common pairings
selfless act selfless devotion

Word forms

more selfless comparative, most selfless superlative

Study it as flashcards or scroll it in Flow — saved to your collection.
Test yourself on “selfless” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The nurse's _____ dedication impressed the whole ward.

Etymology

Formed from self plus -less.

Related words

Frequently asked questions

What does “selfless” mean?

The word “selfless” means putting other people's needs before one's own, with little regard for personal gain. In plain terms, thinking of others before yourself; the opposite of selfish.

How do you use “selfless” in a sentence?

Here is “selfless” used in a sentence: “The nurse's selfless dedication impressed the whole ward.”

What part of speech is “selfless”?

“Selfless” is an adjective.

Is “selfless” a common word?

“Selfless” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.

People also searched

Definitions: FreeDict original editorial