Definitions

self-interest

[self-in-trist, self-, -in-ter-ist] / ˌsɛlfˈɪn trɪst, ˈsɛlf-, -ˈɪn tər ɪst /

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egoism n.
egoism/egotism n.
narcissism n.
self-absorption n.
self-centeredness n.
self-involvement n.
vainness n.

NOUN

egoism

Synonyms

STRONG

arrogance assurance boastfulness boasting bragging conceit conceitedness egomania egotism gasconade haughtiness insolence megalomania narcissism ostentation overconfidence presumption pride self-absorption self-confidence self-importance self-love self-possession self-regard self-worship selfishness superiority vainglory vanity

WEAK

egocentricity self-admiration swellheadedness vaunting

Antonyms

STRONG

humility meekness modesty shyness timidity

WEAK

altruism selflessness

NOUN

egoism/egotism

Synonyms

WEAK

arrogance assurance boastfulness boasting bragging conceit conceitedness egocentricity egomania gasconade haughtiness insolence megalomania narcissism ostentation overconfidence preoccupation with self presumption pride self-absorption self-admiration self-confidence self-importance self-love self-possession self-regard self-worship selfishness superiority swellheadedness vainglory vanity vaunting

Antonyms

WEAK

altruism humility selflessness

NOUN

narcissism

Synonyms

STRONGEST

arrogance self-absorption selfishness

STRONG

assurance boastfulness boasting bragging conceit conceitedness ego egoism egomania gasconade haughtiness insolence ostentation overconfidence presumption pride self-confidence self-importance self-love self-possession self-regard self-worship superiority vainglory vanity

WEAK

amour-propre egocentricity self-admiration swellheadedness vainness vaunting

Antonyms

STRONG

humility meekness modesty shyness timidity

NOUN

self-absorption

Synonyms

STRONGEST

arrogance egotism narcissism self-confidence selfishness

STRONG

assurance boastfulness boasting bragging conceit conceitedness egocentrism egomania gasconade haughtiness insolence megalomania ostentation overconfidence presumption pride self-centeredness self-importance self-love self-possession self-regard self-worship superiority vainglory vanity

WEAK

egocentricity self-admiration self-involvement swellheadedness vaunting

Antonyms

STRONG

humility meekness modesty shyness timidity

NOUN

self-centeredness

Synonyms

STRONG

arrogance assurance boastfulness boasting bragging conceit conceitedness egocentrism egomania egotism gasconade haughtiness insolence megalomania narcissism ostentation overconfidence presumption pride self-absorption self-confidence self-importance self-love self-possession self-regard self-worship selfishness superiority vainglory vanity

WEAK

egocentricity self-admiration self-involvement swellheadedness vaunting

Antonyms

STRONG

humility meekness modesty shyness timidity

NOUN

self-involvement

Synonyms

WEAK

arrogance assurance boastfulness boasting bragging conceit conceitedness egocentricity egocentrism egomania egotism gasconade haughtiness insolence megalomania narcissism ostentation overconfidence presumption pride self-absorption self-admiration self-centeredness self-confidence self-importance self-love self-possession self-regard self-worship selfishness superiority swellheadedness vainglory vanity vaunting

NOUN

vainness

Synonyms

WEAK

amour-propre arrogance assurance boastfulness boasting bragging conceit conceitedness ego egocentricity egoism egomania gasconade haughtiness insolence megalomania narcissism ostentation overconfidence presumption pride self-absorption self-admiration self-confidence self-importance self-love self-possession self-regard self-worship selfishness superiority swellheadedness vainglory vanity vaunting

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

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self-interest

“It becomes in your own economic self-interest to use as much water as you can,” he said.

From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 26, 2026

But even if we ignore the self-interest of critics and assume that forward guidance was created with good intentions, it simply doesn’t work in practice.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 16, 2026

Impacted companies also do much of the investigative legwork, out of necessity and self-interest.

From Slate ● Jul. 22, 2026

Political scientists commonly believe economics is the predominant political issue for most people, and they view it from the perspective of their own self-interest.

From Salon ● Jul. 5, 2026

Whites who had fought so valiantly for the end of slavery now focused on their self-interest, patching things up with white southerners and courting northern businessmen.

From "A Few Red Drops: The Chicago Race Riot of 1919" by Claire Hartfield

self-interest

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

Related Words