B1adjectiverelationshipsemotions
US/ˈsel.fɪʃ/
UK/ˈsel.fɪʃ/
caring only about yourself and what you want, not about other people
In context
It was selfish of him to take the last piece of cake without asking.
Parking across two spaces in a busy car park is just selfish behavior.
She felt selfish for spending the holiday alone instead of visiting her family.
Words that go with selfish
adjective + preposition
- selfish ofIt's selfish of you to play loud music at midnight.
adjective + noun
- selfish behaviorTeachers should not ignore selfish behavior in class.
- selfish personA selfish person rarely thinks about how others feel.
- selfish reasonsHe volunteered for selfish reasons: he wanted a good reference.
adverb + adjective
- incredibly selfishLeaving all the cleaning to your roommate is incredibly selfish.
Common mistakes
Incorrect:
It is selfish for you to eat all the snacks.Correct: It is selfish of you to eat all the snacks.