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UK//ˈsɛlfɪʃ//US//ˈsɛlfɪʃ//

Meaning of Selfish

Concerned excessively with oneself and not with others' needs or feelings.

In simple words: Caring only about yourself and not others.

Selfish in a sentence

  • His selfish behavior drove his friends away.
  • It's selfish to take the last cookie without asking.
  • She can be quite selfish at times, only thinking about her own success.
  • Being selfish can lead to loneliness in relationships.
  • Their selfish actions caused a rift within the team.

How to use Selfish

Use 'selfish' to describe someone who prioritizes their own needs over others. It is neutral but can be seen as negative. Avoid using it in formal contexts when discussing complex personalities.

Grammar pattern

standalone adjective

Memory hint

Think of 'self' in 'selfish', focusing on 'self' alone.

Related words

Collocations with Selfish

  • selfish behavior
  • selfish act
  • selfish person
  • selfish desire
  • selfish motives

Synonyms for Selfish

  • egocentric
  • self-serving
  • self-absorbed
  • greedy
  • self-interested

Opposites of Selfish

Common mistakes with Selfish

  • Confused with 'self-centered', which can imply a broader personality trait.
  • Using 'selfish' to describe a situation rather than a person.
  • Overusing it as a label rather than describing specific actions.

Selfish appears in

Selfish in other languages

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Frequently asked questions about Selfish

What does Selfish mean?

Caring only about yourself and not others.

What is the definition of Selfish?

Concerned excessively with oneself and not with others' needs or feelings.

How do you use Selfish in a sentence?

His selfish behavior drove his friends away.

Can you give another example of Selfish?

It's selfish to take the last cookie without asking.

What are synonyms for Selfish?

Common alternatives include egocentric, self-serving, self-absorbed, greedy, self-interested.

What is the opposite of Selfish?

Opposite meanings include selfless, unselfish, generous, altruistic.

What words go with Selfish?

It commonly pairs with selfish behavior, selfish act, selfish person, selfish desire, selfish motives.

What are common mistakes when using Selfish?

Confused with 'self-centered', which can imply a broader personality trait. Using 'selfish' to describe a situation rather than a person. Overusing it as a label rather than describing specific actions.

How do you pronounce Selfish?

US: //ˈsɛlfɪʃ//, UK: //ˈsɛlfɪʃ//. Listen to the audio above to hear native pronunciation.

When should I use Selfish?

Use 'selfish' to describe someone who prioritizes their own needs over others. It is neutral but can be seen as negative. Avoid using it in formal contexts when discussing complex personalities.