1. the quality of being concerned primarily with one’s own interests, benefits, or welfare without regard for others

Examples

• His selfishness prevented him from sharing his toys with his younger sister.
• The politician’s selfishness was evident in his refusal to support policies that didn’t benefit him personally.
• She realized that her selfishness had cost her many friendships over the years.
• The team’s failure was partly due to the captain’s selfishness on the field.
• Parents often worry about encouraging selfishness in their children by giving them too much.
• His act of selfishness during the crisis shocked everyone who knew him.