What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
egoism
Example
His egoism led him to pursue his own interests at the expense of others. [egoism: noun]
Example
Egoism is often associated with the idea of 'survival of the fittest.' [egoism: noun]
selfishness
Example
Her selfishness made it difficult for her to maintain friendships. [selfishness: noun]
Example
He acted selfishly by taking the last piece of cake without offering to share. [selfishly: adverb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Selfishness is more commonly used in everyday language than egoism. Selfishness is a more familiar term that is widely recognized and understood, while egoism is more specialized and may require some explanation or context.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between egoism and selfishness?
Egoism is a more formal term that is often used in academic or philosophical discussions. Selfishness is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
