Me-first

Describing a person, attitude, or behavior that prioritizes one's own needs and desires above the needs and desires of others. It emphasizes self-centeredness, selfishness, and a lack of consideration for the consequences of one's actions on those around them. 'Me-first' actions often involve seeking personal gain, advantage, or gratification, even at the expense of fairness, cooperation, or the well-being of the group or community. This behavior can manifest in various situations, from interpersonal relationships to professional settings.

Me-first meaning with examples

• During the project's final presentation, Sarah, in a flagrant display of 'me-first' behavior, took all the credit for the team's work, failing to acknowledge her colleagues' crucial contributions, leading to strained relationships within the group. Her attitude undermined the team's cohesion and morale, making future collaborations difficult and inefficient.
• The 'me-first' driver, ignoring the pedestrian crossing signal, sped through the intersection to avoid waiting, putting the safety of others at risk and demonstrating a complete lack of regard for established traffic laws. The consequences could have been catastrophic, highlighting a selfish disregard for public safety and norms.
• In the office politics, John's 'me-first' tactics involved undermining his coworkers to secure a promotion, spreading rumors and hoarding information to maintain an upper hand. His unethical behavior damaged trust and created a toxic work environment, ultimately isolating him from his colleagues despite his initial success.
• The politician's 'me-first' approach to policy-making prioritizes personal wealth and power rather than addressing the needs of their constituents. This leads to corruption, unfair distribution of resources, and ultimately undermines the public's faith in the democratic process and the ability to improve lives.