selfish
He refused to share his lunch, which was a selfish act.
The example shows someone putting their own needs (not sharing food) above others' needs.
concerned excessively or exclusively with oneself; seeking or concentrating on one's own advantage, pleasure, or well-being without regard for others
It was selfish of her to take the last piece of cake without offering any to her friends.
The speaker criticizes the person for prioritizing their own desire for cake over sharing.
The manager's selfish decision to cut bonuses hurt employee morale.
The decision was made without considering the negative impact on others.
Often implies a negative judgment of the person's character or behavior.
Collocations
Pro Tip
Avoid overusing 'selfish'
Instead of saying 'He's so selfish,' try specifying the behavior: 'He never helps with household chores.' This sounds more objective and constructive.
Gold Rule
Context matters
A person can act selfishly in one situation but not others. Avoid labeling someone as 'selfish' permanently based on a single action.
Word Origin
From Middle English *selven* (oneself) + *-ish* (adjective suffix), first recorded in the 17th century. The suffix *-ish* here denotes 'having the quality of'.
Usage Notes
While 'selfish' describes behavior, 'self-centered' often implies a fixed personality trait. 'Self-serving' can carry a slightly more negative connotation, suggesting deliberate manipulation.