unselfish

[ uhn-sel-fish ]
See synonyms for unselfish on Thesaurus.com
adjective
  1. not selfish; disinterested; generous; altruistic.

Origin of unselfish

1
First recorded in 1690–1700; un-1 + selfish

Other words from unselfish

  • un·self·ish·ly, adverb
  • un·self·ish·ness, noun

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024

How to use unselfish in a sentence

  • "Take this in remembrance of what you have suffered so unselfishly for my sake, Captain Paul," I said, my voice breaking.

    Richard Carvel, Complete | Winston Churchill
  • Howe gave orders that room be made for them, and the orders were unselfishly obeyed by the army and navy.

    The Siege of Boston | Allen French
  • If I were very rich I would send him a big fat check, for I don't know any one who would use it more unselfishly.

    The Four Corners Abroad | Amy Ella Blanchard
  • And Olive, how was it with her during those years of home duty, so patiently, so unselfishly performed?

    Heriot's Choice | Rosa Nouchette Carey
  • Yesterday, that kind Negro couple--to-day, this bullock-driver, who ministered unselfishly to her wants.

    Grif | B. L. (Benjamin Leopold) Farjeon

British Dictionary definitions for unselfish

unselfish

/ (ʌnˈsɛlfɪʃ) /


adjective
  1. not selfish or greedy; generous

Derived forms of unselfish

  • unselfishly, adverb
  • unselfishness, noun

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012