selfishness

Definition

The quality of being selfish, the condition of putting one's own interests before those of others.

Etymology

From selfish + -ness.

Example Sentences

• "This common faith or set of aspirations, he added, could also help Americans transcend their selfishnesses and follies and promote a world civil religion given to justice and hope."
• "And he knows that Patrick can afford to complain about his mother’s minor selfishness but he cannot afford to engage with the idea of his own father at all."

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