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Noun: self-interest  self in-t(u-)rust
  1. Concern for your own interests and welfare
    "The politician's self-interest prevented him from considering the needs of his constituents";
    - egoism, egocentrism, self-concern, self-centeredness [US], self-centredness [Brit, Cdn], egocentricity
     
  2. Taking advantage of opportunities without regard for the consequences for others
    "Her self-interest in climbing the corporate ladder left many colleagues resentful";
    - opportunism, self-seeking, expedience

Derived forms: self-interests

Type of: selfishness, trait

Encyclopedia: Self-interest