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unselfishness

A1
noun

Pronunciation

UK

  • /ʌnsˈɛlfɪʃnəs/

US

  • /ʌnsˈɛlfɪʃnəs/

Description

Unselfishness is not about giving up everything for other people. It is about caring about their needs as well as your own. Think of a parent staying up late to help their child with a project, even though they are tired. That is unselfishness in action. It is a quiet strength, a willingness to give without expecting anything back. While selfishness focuses on "me," unselfishness makes room for "we." An unselfish person often finds joy in helping others and is not driven mainly by personal gain. You might see it in charity, in volunteering, or simply in offering a helping hand.

Examples

  1. 1

    Everyday care

    Her unselfishness showed in small ways, like making sure everyone else had enough to eat before she served herself.

  2. 2

    Family illness

    We were deeply grateful for his unselfishness during his mother's illness.

  3. 3

    Workplace generosity

    Giving the bonus to the junior staff was an act of real unselfishness.

    • Phrase

      an act of unselfishness

      one clear example of behaving in this way

Forms and spellings

1 form open this card.

Main spelling

  • unselfishnessnoun