Selflessness
n.kind, hopefulwarm
What it means
Generous concern for others before personal advantage.
Reach for it when naming a pattern of placing others' legitimate needs ahead of personal advantage
His selflessness inspired the whole team to help.
Choose between these
8- everyday
unselfishness
when absence of selfish priority is the plain idea
not when Unselfishness is less natural and can still include mixed motives.
- warm
when sustained loyal care is the strength
not when Devotion can be possessive or directed toward an abstract cause.
- warm
when ample giving of time, attention, or resources matters
not when Generosity does not require putting oneself second.
- professional
when action benefits others without expected return
not when Altruism is technical and may still involve personal satisfaction.
- professional
other-centeredness
when attention consistently shifts toward others
not when The term is awkward and can excuse neglect of self.
- professional
when practical contribution to others is central
not when Service may be paid or obligatory.
- formal
when kind intention to benefit others matters
not when Benevolence can be distant and paternalistic.
- formal
sacrifice
when giving up something valuable for others is central
not when Sacrifice is an act, not a stable quality, and can become unhealthy.
Said against
3- selfishness
- egotism
- greed
It naturally appears in
3- act of selflessness
One act of selflessness gave every passenger time to leave.
- quiet selflessness
His quiet selflessness appeared in years of uncredited maintenance.
- selflessness and courage
Selflessness and courage guided the rescue, but training made it safe.
The word family
2Usage notes
Selflessness is not self-erasure. Praise should not normalize burnout, coercion, or neglect of legitimate personal needs.