Word

egoism

noun C1

a=US

Meanings

noun

self-centeredness; a tendency to think mainly about your own needs, importance, or advantage

noun

the belief (especially in philosophy) that people should act in their own self-interest

Definition

Egoism is the habit or belief of putting your own interests and importance first.

Egoism is a focus on yourself, your needs, and your advantage, often at the expense of others. It can describe a personal attitude or a way of thinking that treats self-interest as the main reason to act. In everyday use, it usually carries a negative sense of being self-centered. In some philosophical contexts, it refers to the idea that people should act in their own self-interest.

Examples

His egoism made it difficult for him to accept feedback from colleagues, even when it was carefully phrased.
I started to question my own egoism when I realized I had treated the team’s success as my personal achievement.
Her egoism showed in small ways, like steering every conversation back to her goals and worries.
They criticized the policy as a product of egoism rather than a serious attempt to understand the community’s needs.

Common mistake

Learners often confuse egoism with egotism: egoism focuses on self-interest, while egotism is excessive self-importance or bragging.