self-seeker: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowFormal, Critical
Quick answer
What does “self-seeker” mean?
A person who is primarily interested in their own personal gain, advancement, or pleasure.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A person who is primarily interested in their own personal gain, advancement, or pleasure.
Someone whose actions and decisions are consistently driven by a desire for their own benefit, often at the expense of others, principles, or the collective good. Can refer to someone ambitiously pursuing career advancement, financial profit, or social status with little regard for ethical considerations.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is understood and used in both varieties with the same meaning. Usage is slightly more common in British political or social commentary.
Connotations
Equally negative in both. In American English, it might be heard more in historical or literary contexts.
Frequency
Uncommon in casual conversation in both varieties. More likely found in formal writing, journalism, or critical discourse.
Grammar
How to Use “self-seeker” in a Sentence
He was branded a self-seeker.The party was infiltrated by self-seekers.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “self-seeker” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- (No common verb form. Use 'seek for oneself' or 'act as a self-seeker')
American English
- (No common verb form. Use 'self-seek' is archaic/rare.)
adverb
British English
- (No standard adverbial form. Use 'in a self-seeking manner'.)
American English
- (No standard adverbial form. Use 'self-servingly'.)
adjective
British English
- His self-seeking behaviour was noted in the report.
- They condemned the self-seeking motives behind the proposal.
American English
- Her self-seeking actions damaged the team's morale.
- The bill was attacked as a piece of self-seeking legislation.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used to describe an executive or colleague whose decisions benefit their own career over the company's health. 'The merger was driven by a few self-seekers looking for a golden parachute.'
Academic
Used in political science, history, or sociology to critique actors motivated by personal gain. 'The analysis framed the local officials not as public servants but as self-seekers.'
Everyday
Rare in casual talk. Might be used in strong criticism: 'Don't trust him; he's a total self-seeker.'
Technical
Not a technical term in most fields.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “self-seeker”
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “self-seeker”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “self-seeker”
- Confusing it with 'self-searching' (introspective).
- Using it as a neutral synonym for 'ambitious'.
- Misspelling as 'selfseeker' (hyphen is standard).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is stronger and more specific. 'Selfish' describes a general attitude. A 'self-seeker' is actively and strategically pursuing personal advancement, often in a professional or public context.
Almost never. It is a term of criticism and moral disapproval. Using it as a compliment would likely be interpreted as sarcasm.
A 'go-getter' is ambitious and proactive, usually with positive or neutral connotations. A 'self-seeker' implies that the ambition is excessive, unprincipled, and harmful to others.
Yes, in standard usage. The hyphen is used in compound nouns beginning with 'self-' when they denote a person, like self-starter, self-seeker, self-made man.
A person who is primarily interested in their own personal gain, advancement, or pleasure.
Self-seeker is usually formal, critical in register.
Self-seeker: in British English it is pronounced /ˌself ˈsiːkə/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌsɛlf ˈsikər/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “on the make (informal, similar concept)”
- “looking out for number one (informal)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine someone SEEKING a promotion, but the only person on their team is their SELF. They step on others to climb the ladder.
Conceptual Metaphor
LIFE IS A RACE FOR REWARDS; the self-seeker is a competitor who cheats or elbows others aside to win the prize for themselves.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the term 'self-seeker' most appropriately used?