selfish
ˈsɛlfɪʃ
Definition Synonyms

Definition of selfish - Reverso English Dictionary

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Adjective

1.
lacks considerationconcerned excessively with oneself, disregarding others
  • His selfish behavior made his friends upset.
egocentric narcissistic self-centered
2.
self-interestconcerned only with personal gain or pleasure
  • His selfish motives were clear to everyone.
egocentric self-centered
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Expressions with selfish

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person criticized for being selfish
I can't believe the selfish so-and-so took the last piece!
someone who prioritizes their own needs over others
He was known as a selfish person for ignoring his friends' requests.
extremely self-centered and indifferent to others
He acted selfish as a cat, ignoring everyone's needs.
DNA that replicates without benefiting the host organism
Selfish DNA can increase its copies in the genome.
gene seen as main driver in evolution
The selfish gene theory explains altruistic behavior in animals.

Origin of selfish

Old English, self (own) + ish (like)

Terms with selfish included in their meaning

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moral failing
selfish craving for more than one deserves, often money or influence
greedyadj.
selfish craving
showing an intense and selfish desire for something
selfish action
done mainly to help oneself or gain advantage
selfish reason
in a way that helps or profits oneself
take advantage
use a situation or person in an unfair or selfish way
selfish child
child who acts badly because always gets what wants
selfish gain
get rich for yourself, often by using your position
selfish motives
concerned primarily with personal advantages

Examples of selfish in a sentence

  • Her selfish motives were clear to everyone.
  • Her selfish actions hurt those around her.
  • He made a selfish decision without consulting anyone.

View all translations of selfish

Click below to see the appropriate translations facing each meaning.
  1. French:égoïste, personnel, ...
  2. German:egoistisch, ...
  3. Italian:egoista, ...
  4. Spanish:egocéntrico, interesado, ...
  5. Portuguese:egocêntrico, interesseiro, ...
  6. Chinese:自私, 自私的, ...
  7. Japanese:利己的, 利己的な, ...
  8. Arabic:أَنَانِيّ, ...
  9. Hebrew:אֲנוֹכִי, ...
  10. Russian:эгоистичный, корыстный, ...
  11. Ukrainian:егоїстичний, самолюбний, ...
  12. Hindi:स्वार्थी, लालची, ...
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