selfish
SEHLF-ihsh
Selfish (adj) means caring mainly about one's own wants and needs, with little concern for other people. Example: “Don't be so selfish; share your sweets with your little sister.”
adj
1
Caring mainly about one's own wants and needs, with little concern for other people.
"Don't be so selfish; share your sweets with your little sister."
"It was selfish of him to take the last seat without asking."
"She accused her brother of being selfish with the inheritance."
How to use selfish
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishPutting your own interests first, at the expense of others.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
selfish behavior
purely selfish
a selfish act
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Word forms
- Comparative
- more selfish, selfisher
- Superlative
- most selfish, selfishest
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Don't be so _____; share your sweets with your little sister.
Etymology
Formed from self plus -ish.
Synonyms
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inconsiderate
ungenerous
egocentric
egoistical
every man for himself
idiocentric
individualistic
interested
porkish
reptilian
selflike
selfsome
Antonyms
unselfish
self-abnegatory
Related words
Rhymes for selfish
See all rhymes for 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.
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