unselfish

Unselfish is an adjective describing behavior or attitudes that show little or no regard for one’s own advantage and that prioritize the welfare, interests, or needs of others. It denotes a negation of selfish motives and is often used to praise acts that benefit others at some cost to the self.

Etymology and usage notes: the word is formed from the prefix un- attached to selfish. It has been part of English for several centuries and remains common, though some speakers prefer selfless as a more formal or idealized term. In practice, unselfish emphasizes the negation of self-interest, while selfless can carry a stronger moral judgment or idealization of virtue. Both terms appear in everyday language, literature, and ethical discussions.

Distinctions and related terms: unselfish is closely related to selfless and altruistic, but each carries subtle nuance. Selfish is its direct opposite, and egotistical or self-centered describes a persistent focus on the self. Altruism refers to concern for others, sometimes with an implication of voluntary sacrifice; ethical altruism discusses moral obligation to help others, while psychological altruism concerns genuine selfless motivation.

Context and interpretation: in philosophy and psychology, unselfish actions may be analyzed in terms of motives, costs, and outcomes. Critics note that stated unselfish motives can be difficult to verify, and some theories argue that all actions have some degree of self-interest. Nonetheless, unselfish behavior is widely cited as a moral ideal in many cultures.

See also: altruism, selflessness, selfishness, egotism.