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Definitions

self-serving

[self-sur-ving] / ˈsɛlfˈsɜr vɪŋ /
ADJECTIVE
egotistic
Synonyms
STRONGEST
boastful pompous self-absorbed selfish subjective
WEAK
affected aloof autocratic boasting bragging conceited egocentric egoistic egoistical egomaniacal egotistical haughty individualistic inflated inner-directed intimate intrinsic introverted isolated narcissistic obsessive opinionated personal prideful proud puffed up self-admiring self-centered self-important self-involved self-seeking snobbish stuck on oneself stuck-up superior swollen vain vainglorious wrapped up in oneself
Antonyms
STRONGEST
modest

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The firm said any allegations of unethical practices were the result of “disgruntled former employees ... who have ulterior self-serving motives.”

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 31, 2025

"Now he is focusing on local government which he believes is too self-serving and not very in touch with the people they are supposed to represent," said Sinclair.

From BBC • Dec. 2, 2025

But I’m not here to debate Musk and Saad’s self-serving delusions.

From Salon • Dec. 1, 2025

Known for playing the self-serving patriarch Frank Gallagher in TV series “Shameless,” Macy returns to the screen in the historical drama “Train Dreams.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 24, 2025

Many regarded the Sihanouk government as corrupt and self-serving, where the poor got poorer and the rich became richer.

From "First They Killed My Father: A Daughter of Cambodia Remembers" by Loung Ung

From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.