egoism
C1Formal, academic, philosophical, psychological
Definition
Meaning
An ethical theory that treats self-interest as the foundation of morality, or the general tendency to be excessively concerned with oneself.
In psychology, an excessive preoccupation with one's own needs, interests, and feelings, often with a lack of regard for others. In philosophy, the ethical doctrine that self-interest is the valid goal of all action.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Often confused with 'egotism,' which is more about self-centeredness and vanity in personality. 'Egoism' has a formal, theoretical basis; 'egotism' is a character flaw.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant spelling or usage difference. The philosophical/psychological distinction between 'egoism' (theory/doctrine) and 'egotism' (personal trait) is observed in both.
Connotations
Equally pejorative in everyday contexts (selfishness). In academic contexts, it is a neutral descriptor of a theory.
Frequency
Slightly more frequent in American academic/philosophical writing, but overall frequency is similar.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[subject]'s egoismegoism of [possessive noun phrase]egoism in [gerund/noun phrase]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None commonly associated directly with 'egoism'; related concept: 'looking out for number one'.”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Used critically to describe a management style or corporate culture that prioritizes narrow self-interest over collective good.
Academic
A core term in ethics (ethical/psychological egoism) and social psychology, used with technical precision.
Everyday
Used as a formal or strong synonym for selfishness.
Technical
In philosophy: a normative (ethical egoism) or descriptive (psychological egoism) position. In psychology: a personality trait.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- (No direct verb form. Use 'act egoistically'.)
American English
- (No direct verb form. Use 'behave egoistically'.)
adverb
British English
- He argued egoistically for his own proposal.
American English
- She acted egoistically, ignoring the team's needs.
adjective
British English
- His egoistic principles left no room for charity.
- An egoistic worldview.
American English
- Her egoistic motives were transparent.
- An egoistic approach to policy.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- He doesn't share his toys. That is egoism.
- Her egoism made it difficult for her to work in a team.
- The philosopher argued that psychological egoism—the idea that humans are always motivated by self-interest—is flawed.
- Critics lambasted the budget as an exercise in fiscal egoism, prioritising short-term political gain over long-term economic stability.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: EGOism = my EGO is the -ISM (guiding principle).
Conceptual Metaphor
THE SELF IS A CENTER (others orbit around it). LIFE IS A ZERO-SUM GAME (my gain is primary).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'эгоизм' (which is correct).
- Beware of false friend 'эготизм' (egotism) which is more about self-importance.
- In Russian, 'эгоизм' can sound slightly less formal/academic than 'egoism' does in English.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'egoism' to mean arrogance or boastfulness (that's 'egotism').
- Misspelling as 'egoisim'.
- Using it as a direct synonym for 'confidence' or 'self-esteem'.
Practice
Quiz
Which term is most closely associated with a boastful, self-important personality?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
'Egoism' is primarily a doctrine or tendency of self-interest. 'Egotism' is an excessive sense of self-importance and a tendency to talk about oneself excessively.
In everyday language, yes, it implies selfishness. In philosophical discourse, it's a neutral term for a specific ethical theory (e.g., Ayn Rand's rational egoism).
Not directly. The adjective forms are 'egoistic' and 'egoistical'. 'Egocentric' is also related but emphasises viewing everything from one's own perspective.
It is a descriptive theory in psychology and philosophy claiming that all human actions are ultimately motivated by self-interest. It is debated and not a proven fact.