selfishness
noun
- placing concern with oneself above the interests of others
Wiktionary
Pronunciation: /ˈsɛl.fɪʃ.nəs/
noun
Etymology: Etymology tree English selfish Proto-Germanic *-inōną Proto-Indo-European *-dyé- Proto-Germanic *-atjaną Proto-Indo-European *-tus Proto-Germanic *-þuz Proto-Germanic *-assuz Proto-Germanic *-inassuz Proto-West Germanic *-nassī Old English -nes Middle English -nesse English -ness English selfishness From selfish + -ness.
- The quality of being selfish, the condition of putting one's own interests before those of others.
“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.”