# selfishly

/sˈɛlfɪʃli/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Adverb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/selfishly
Updated: 2026-10-16

## Definition

in a way that puts your own needs first and does not think about other people.

For teachers: motivated primarily by concern for one's own advantage, with disregard for others.

## Examples

- He selfishly eats the last piece of cake.
- She selfishly books the meeting room for the whole day without asking the team.
- He selfishly diverted the department budget toward his own project while colleagues struggled to fund essential fieldwork.

## Usage notes

- Modifies a verb or whole clause; often placed before the main verb or at the start of the clause.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.