self-seeking: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2/C1Formal, slightly literary
Quick answer
What does “self-seeking” mean?
Acting with the primary or sole aim of gaining advantage for oneself.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
Acting with the primary or sole aim of gaining advantage for oneself.
The pursuit of one's own interests, wealth, or power, typically with little regard for others or ethical principles.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Used similarly in both varieties; slightly more common in British formal writing.
Connotations
Equally pejorative in both.
Frequency
Low-to-medium frequency in formal registers in both regions.
Grammar
How to Use “self-seeking” in a Sentence
[be] motivated by self-seekingaccuse [someone] of self-seekingpursue a policy of self-seekingVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “self-seeking” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- His self-seeking agenda was obvious to everyone on the committee.
- The minister was criticised for his self-seeking behaviour during the crisis.
American English
- The lawsuit revealed the CEO's self-seeking motives.
- They condemned the politician's self-seeking policies.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Criticising corporate culture or executive motives driven purely by personal gain.
Academic
In political science or ethics, analysing behaviour in game theory or moral philosophy.
Everyday
Describing someone's obviously selfish behaviour in a formal or critical way.
Technical
Rare; more likely in sociopolitical analysis.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “self-seeking”
- Using it as a verb (e.g., 'He self-seeks'). It's a noun or adjective.
- Using it in a positive context (e.g., 'Healthy self-seeking is important').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, it carries a strong negative connotation of selfishness and placing one's own gain above all else.
No, it is not standard to use it as a verb (e.g., 'to self-seek'). It functions as a noun or an adjective.
'Ambitious' can be neutral or positive, focusing on a strong desire to achieve. 'Self-seeking' is always negative, implying that the ambition is purely for personal gain at others' expense.
Not directly. Concepts like 'self-motivated' or 'driven' can be positive but do not carry the same meaning of exploiting others for personal gain.
Acting with the primary or sole aim of gaining advantage for oneself.
Self-seeking is usually formal, slightly literary in register.
Self-seeking: in British English it is pronounced /ˌself ˈsiːkɪŋ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌself ˈsikɪŋ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “He was out for number one (related concept)”
- “Looking out for #1 (related concept)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine someone SEEKing only for their SELF, pushing others aside.
Conceptual Metaphor
SELF IS A VACUUM (sucking in all resources).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'self-seeking' LEAST likely to be used appropriately?