approval If you describe someone as unselfish, you approve of the fact that they regard other people's wishes and interests as more important than their own. She started to get a reputation as an unselfish girl with a heart of gold As a player he was unselfish, a true team man. = selfless selfish + unselfishly un·self·ish·ly She has loyally and unselfishly spent every day at her husband's side. + unselfishness un·self·ish·ness acts of unselfishness and care. caring about other people and thinking about their needs and wishes before your own = selfless, generous generous