'eco-centeredness' originates from Modern English as a compound of the combining form 'eco-' and the noun-forming element 'centeredness'. 'eco-' ultimately derives from Greek 'oikos', where 'oikos' meant 'house' or 'environment'. 'centeredness' comes from 'center' plus the nominalizing suffix '-edness'.

'center' entered English via Old French and Latin 'centrum', which in turn came from Greek 'kentron' meaning 'point' or 'sharp point'; the combining form 'eco-' was formed in Modern English from Greek 'oikos' and attached to other elements to create ecology-related compounds, eventually producing compounds like 'eco-centeredness'.

Initially, the components separately meant 'environment/house' (eco-) and 'being centered' (centeredness); combined in Modern English they developed the current meaning of 'placing ecology at the center of concern or decision-making'.