altruistic
adjective
al·tru·is·tic
ˌal-trü-ˈi-stik 
: relating to or given to altruism:
a
: having or showing an unselfish concern for the welfare of others
altruistic acts/motives
a generous and altruistic person
Yet many of the most important institutions in our society—the fine arts, NGOs, humanitarian charities—depend on the generosity of wealthy citizens with altruistic impulses.—
Jonathan Kay
Jonathan Kay
b
: relating to or being behavior by an animal that is not beneficial to or may be harmful to the animal itself but that benefits others of its species
The evolutionary theory of kin selection requires that social animals recognize their relatives so that altruistic behavior can be displayed preferentially toward kin.—Science
Science
altruistically
adverb
… one of the first researchers to begin to solve the paradox of how the evolutionary struggle to survive and reproduce could give rise to creatures that never reproduce and spend their lives altruistically helping others to survive.
—Carol Kaesuk Yoon
Carol Kaesuk Yoon
Examples of altruistic in a Sentence
I'm not being altruistic in giving you these books, since I was going to have to lug them with me if you hadn't come along
Recent Examples on the Web
The proliferation of narratives like Evelyn’s could come to pass if stably housed Americans on a widespread scale begin to frame the incorporation of homeless families as an opportunity for absolutely altruistic largesse.
—Jeff Hobbs, Time, 10 Apr. 2025
Working together toward a common, altruistic goal helps to build camaraderie and teamwork among employees, strengthening their professional relationships and collaboration skills.
—Steven Rogall, Forbes, 24 Oct. 2024
Countries give foreign aid for both altruistic and self-interested reasons.
—Sarah Stroup, The Conversation, 19 Mar. 2025
Such an altruistic approach can increase trust and help establish the business as a credible authority in the field.
—Kristofer Mussar, Forbes, 14 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for altruistic
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Jeff Hobbs, Time, 10 Apr. 2025
Working together toward a common, altruistic goal helps to build camaraderie and teamwork among employees, strengthening their professional relationships and collaboration skills.
—Steven Rogall, Forbes, 24 Oct. 2024
Countries give foreign aid for both altruistic and self-interested reasons.
—Sarah Stroup, The Conversation, 19 Mar. 2025
Such an altruistic approach can increase trust and help establish the business as a credible authority in the field.
—Kristofer Mussar, Forbes, 14 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for altruistic
Cite this Entry
“Altruistic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/altruistic. Accessed 21 Apr. 2025.
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