selfish

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.

“Selfish” is pronounced SEHLF-ihsh (/ˈsɛlf.ɪʃ/ in IPA).

Here is “selfish” used in a sentence: “It was selfish of him to take the last seat without asking.”

Words with a similar meaning to “selfish” include egocentric, egoistical, every man for himself, idiocentric, individualistic and interested.

The opposite of “selfish” — its antonyms — is self-abnegatory.

“Selfish” is an adjective.

“Selfish” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.

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.

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.

"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.