self-in·ter·est
ˌself-ˈin-t(ə-)rəst
-ˈin-tə-ˌrest,
-ˌtrest;
-ˈin-tərst
1
: a concern for one's own advantage and well-being
acted out of self-interest and fear
2
: one's own interest or advantage
self-interest requires that we be generous in foreign aid
self-interestedly
adverb
self-interestedness
noun
: characterized or motivated by self-interest
self-interestedness
noun
(ˈ)⸗¦⸗(⸗)(ˌ)⸗⸗⸗
Cite this Entry
“Self-interest.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/self-interest. Accessed 3 Sep. 2026.
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