early 15c., redable, "legible," from read (v.) + -able. The meaning "of sufficient interest to be read" is by 1771. Related: Readably; readableness.

"one licensed to lend money at interest on pledge or deposit of goods," 1680s, from pawn (n.1) + broker (n.).

"one who seeks his own selfish interest, to the detriment of justice and mercy," 1630s, from self-seeking or else from self- + seeker.

"disregard of the self or self-interest," 1800; see self- + abandonment. Self-abandoned is attested from 1774; self-abandon (n.) is by 1872.

"having no regard to self, devoted to others' welfare or interest and not one's own," by 1821, from self + -less. Related: Selflessly; selflessness.

"not adapted to promote interest, reputation, or other good," c. 1600; see disadvantage (n.) + -ous. Perhaps modeled on French désavantageux. Related: Disadvantageously; disadvantageousness.

"character of common possession or interest; openness or exposure to notice or knowledge of the community or of people at large," c. 1600, from public (adj.) + -ness.

1980 (self-motivated is attested from 1949), "motivated by one's own interest or enthusiasm, without external influence," from self- + motivation. Related: Self-motivating; self-motivational.