unselfish
gb/ʌnsˈɛlfɪʃ/ us/ʌnsˈɛlfɪʃ/
B2
English
Senses
0 senses
adjective
B2
property
1
caring more about others
thinking of other people, not only yourself
Usage pattern:
[someone] is unselfish
Common mistake:
Unselfish is an adjective (not a noun): say “She is unselfish,” not “She is an unselfish.”
Synonyms
selfless (Often suggests putting others first in a strong or consistent way.)
|
altruistic (More formal; emphasizes helping others, sometimes at a cost to oneself.)
|
generous (Often focused on giving time, money, or help rather than general attitude.)
Antonyms
selfish (Caring mainly about your own needs and advantage.)
|
self-centered (Focused on yourself and your own interests.)
Collocations
an unselfish person
|unselfish kindness
|unselfish behavior
|unselfish help
|unselfish concern
|unselfish nature
|unselfish character
|truly unselfish
|remarkably unselfish
|unselfish and generous
Themes
people
|relationships
|character
|values
Examples
- It was unselfish of him to give up his seat to the elderly woman.
- She’s an unselfish friend who always shows up when you need her.
- They were unselfish enough to share the credit with the whole team.
Learner examples
- My sister is unselfish.
- He is unselfish and kind.
adjective
B2
property
2
done to benefit others
done to help others, not yourself
Usage pattern:
an unselfish [act/decision/choice]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes use unselfish where “generous” fits better for money or gifts; unselfish is broader and often about intentions.
Synonyms
selfless (Often implies personal sacrifice or lack of concern for reward.)
|
charitable (Common when the action involves helping people in need or donating.)
|
generous (Often used for giving resources; may not always imply lack of self-interest.)
Antonyms
self-serving (Done mainly to benefit yourself.)
|
selfish (Done for your own advantage without caring about others.)
Collocations
an unselfish act
|an unselfish decision
|an unselfish choice
|an unselfish gesture
|an unselfish sacrifice
|unselfish support
|unselfish service
|an unselfish offer
|unselfish giving
|an unselfish contribution
Themes
daily_life
|relationships
|values
Examples
- Donating anonymously was an unselfish gesture.
- Taking extra shifts so her colleague could rest was an unselfish choice.
- He made an unselfish decision to put the group’s needs first.
Learner examples
- That was an unselfish act.
- It was unselfish to help without asking for money.
Grammar
Dictionary form
unselfish
IPA
GB/ʌnsˈɛlfɪʃ/
US/ʌnsˈɛlfɪʃ/
Syllables & stress
un - selfish (2 syllables)
Stress on 2nd syllable (selfish)
Word forms
Adjective
- Base: unselfish
Expressions
unselfish to a fault
1/ʌnsˈɛlfɪʃ tə ə fˈɔlt/
fixed phrase
too willing to sacrifice
so unselfish that it causes problems
Examples
- She’s unselfish to a fault and never takes time off for herself.
- He was unselfish to a fault, always saying yes even when he was exhausted.
unselfish with [something]
1/ʌnsˈɛlfɪʃ wˈɪθ sˈʌmθɪŋ/
fixed phrase
ready to share something
happy to share something you have
Examples
- Our manager is unselfish with her time and always makes space for questions.
- He’s unselfish with praise and makes sure the whole team gets credit.