Learn English – Word or phrase used to describe a person concerned with self preservation

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If possible, it should also be casting a negative light on the person described. For instance:

This assassin is __________ first, and opportunistic second. He primarily seeks to catch his target not only unaware, but in a situation where no one would be able to retaliate after the kill.

The assassin in this case is being described by a person who has nothing positive to say about him, so I would like to be able to fit that theme where appropriate.

Best Answer

You should be able to use self-preserving as an adjective.

This assassin is self-preserving first, and opportunistic second. He primarily seeks to catch his target not only unawares, but in a situation where no one would be able to retaliate after the kill.

dictionary.com:

self-preservation noun
1. preservation of oneself from harm or destruction.

Related forms:
self-preserving, adjective

In that moment Tito, with bloodless face and eyes dilated, had one of the self-preserving inspirations that come in extremity.

Romola
George Eliot

Through all this bewilderment, self-preserving interest guides his course.

Oswald Langdon
Carson Jay Lee

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