selfish
19 synonyms and 1 antonyms for selfish, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Adj — Caring mainly about one's own wants and needs, with little concern for other people.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Antonyms
How to use selfish
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
Formed from self plus -ish.
Full origin of selfish →Frequently asked questions
What does “selfish” mean?
The word “selfish” means caring mainly about one's own wants and needs, with little concern for other people. In plain terms, putting your own interests first, at the expense of others.
How do you pronounce “selfish”?
“Selfish” is pronounced SEHLF-ihsh (/ˈsɛlf.ɪʃ/ in IPA).
How do you use “selfish” in a sentence?
Here is “selfish” used in a sentence: “It was selfish of him to take the last seat without asking.”
What is another word for “selfish”?
Words with a similar meaning to “selfish” include egocentric, egoistical, every man for himself, idiocentric, individualistic and interested.
What is the opposite of “selfish”?
The opposite of “selfish” — its antonyms — is self-abnegatory.
What part of speech is “selfish”?
“Selfish” is an adjective.
Is “selfish” a common word?
“Selfish” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
What is the opposite of "selfish"?
The main opposites of "selfish" are "selfless" and "unselfish," which describe putting others' needs before your own. "Generous," "considerate," and "altruistic" are also common antonyms.
What is the difference between "selfish" and "self-centered"?
Both are negative, but "selfish" stresses an unwillingness to share or to consider others' needs, while "self-centered" stresses being absorbed in yourself and your own concerns. A selfish person takes more than their share; a self-centered person mostly thinks about themselves.
What is the difference between "selfish" and "greedy"?
"Selfish" describes a general disregard for other people's needs, while "greedy" specifically means wanting far more of something — such as food, money, or power — than you need. Greed is a common form of selfish behavior.