selfishness
UK: ˈsɛlfɪʃnəs | US: ˈsɛlfɪʃnəs
n. the quality or state of being selfish; excessive concern for oneself at the expense of others.
The word "selfishness" combines "selfish," derived from "self" (Old English "self," meaning "one's own person") + the suffix "-ish" (indicating characteristic of), with the noun-forming suffix "-ness" (Old English "-nes," denoting a state or condition). The term evolved in the 17th century to describe excessive focus on one's own desires, reflecting a moral critique of individualism. The morphemes preserve their original spelling and logic: "self" anchors the concept, "-ish" adds a qualitative trait, and "-ness" abstracts it into a noun.
His selfishness made him ignore his friend's needs.
The team's failure was blamed on the manager's selfishness.
She realized her selfishness had hurt her family.
Acts of generosity can counteract innate selfishness.
The novel explores the consequences of unchecked selfishness.