selflessness
C1Formal, but acceptable in all registers. More common in written than in casual spoken English.
Definition
Meaning
The quality of caring more about the needs and happiness of other people than about your own; altruism.
The act of placing the welfare of others before one's own, often involving personal sacrifice, without expectation of reward or recognition.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Abstract noun denoting a virtue or character trait. Almost exclusively positive in connotation. Slightly more conceptual and elevated than the synonym 'altruism'.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning, spelling, or usage between UK and US English.
Connotations
Universally positive, associated with high moral character.
Frequency
Similar frequency in both varieties.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
The selflessness of [person/group]selflessness in [action/context][verb] selflessnessVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[not idiom-rich; abstract noun]”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare. May appear in leadership or corporate culture discussions, e.g., 'Leaders should balance ambition with a degree of selflessness for team cohesion.'
Academic
Common in ethics, philosophy, psychology, and religious studies texts discussing moral virtues and pro-social behaviour.
Everyday
Used to praise someone's exceptionally kind or sacrificial actions, e.g., 'We were all moved by her selflessness.'
Technical
Used in psychological scales measuring personality traits or pro-social behaviour.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- [No direct verb form. Derived from adjective 'selfless'.]
American English
- [No direct verb form. Derived from adjective 'selfless'.]
adverb
British English
- He worked selflessly for years without seeking credit.
- She selflessly gave up her seat.
American English
- They selflessly volunteered their time.
- He acted selflessly in the crisis.
adjective
British English
- Her selfless devotion to the charity was remarkable.
- It was a truly selfless act.
American English
- He made a selfless decision to donate the money.
- Her motives were completely selfless.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- Her selflessness helped her friend.
- He is known for his selflessness.
- The nurse showed great selflessness in caring for the patients.
- We appreciate the selflessness of our volunteers.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of the word 'SELF' being made 'LESS' important. Self-less-ness.
Conceptual Metaphor
SELFISHNESS IS A CONTAINER (FOCUSING INWARDS); SELFLESSNESS IS AN EXPANSION (REACHING OUTWARDS).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'бескорыстие' (disinterestedness/lack of greed) which is narrower. 'Selflessness' (самоотверженность) implies active sacrifice, not just lack of personal gain.
- Avoid calquing as 'самобесправность' or similar non-words.
Common Mistakes
- Misspelling as 'selflessnes' (missing an 's').
- Using it to describe a single act that is simply polite or mildly generous (overuse).
- Confusing it with 'selfishness' due to the similar root.
Practice
Quiz
Which sentence uses 'selflessness' INCORRECTLY?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
They are very close synonyms. 'Altruism' is a more technical term often used in biology and philosophy, while 'selflessness' is the everyday word for the quality and is more focused on the character trait.
Rarely. It is almost universally positive. In extreme contexts, one might criticise 'selflessness' if it leads to self-neglect or enables others' irresponsible behaviour, but this is usually specified (e.g., 'misguided selflessness').
The direct and most common antonym is 'selfishness'. Other opposites include 'egoism' and 'self-centeredness'.
No. The related adjective is 'selfless', and the adverb is 'selflessly'. There is no direct verb '*to selfless'.
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