unselfish
unselfish — adjective
1. Someone who is unselfish cares about the needs and happiness of others and does
Someone who is unselfish cares about the needs and happiness of others and does not act only for their own benefit.
Gabriel made an unselfish decision to give his holiday bonus to the office cleaner.
attributive: unselfish + decision/noun
The nurse's unselfish care for her patients earned sincere respect from everyone in the town.
attributive: unselfish + care/noun
Dahlia's unselfish offer to watch her friend's children allowed the couple to attend the wedding.
Saira organised a monthly food drive for the homeless out of purely unselfish motives.
Tariq's unselfish act of teaching his brother all weekend meant the boy passed the test.
possessive pattern: Tariq's unselfish act of [gerund]
- unselfish act
- unselfish love
- unselfish nature
- unselfish manner
- unselfish service
- unselfish devotion
- purely unselfish motives
- selfless
Very close in meaning; 'selfless' is slightly stronger and more emotional, often used for heroic acts.
- generous
Focuses on giving freely (time, money, help); 'unselfish' is broader, covering any prioritising of others' needs.
- altruistic
More formal and academic; an 'altruistic' person acts out of concern for others as a principle.
- considerate
Emphasises not causing trouble or inconvenience to others, which is a narrower idea.
- selfish
The direct opposite — a selfish person puts their own needs first.
- greedy
Focuses on wanting more than one's share, especially of money or possessions.
- self-centred
Describes someone who only thinks about themselves, not necessarily at others' expense.
Grammar Patterns
unselfish + noun
be + unselfish
Usage Note
Commonly used before a noun (an unselfish act) or after a linking verb (she is unselfish). The opposite is selfish.