self-improvement

noun

self-im·​prove·​ment ˌself-im-ˈprüv-mənt How to pronounce self-improvement (audio)
plural self-improvements
: the act or process of improving oneself by one's own actions
individuals interested in self-improvement
opportunities for self-improvement
also : an instance or result of such improvement
You don't need to wait to ring in the new year to start making self-improvements, because it's always a good time. Nicole Yi
often used before another noun
self-improvement efforts
a self-improvement blog

Examples of self-improvement in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Choose self-improvement over trying to force your will on others. Eugenia Last, The Mercury News, 11 Mar. 2024 Muslims will focus on God-consciousness, self-reflection, and self-improvement all month. The Enquirer, 7 Mar. 2024 The candidate implies that this is an ongoing effort, signaling a commitment to continuous self-improvement and personal development. Mark Murphy, Forbes, 29 Feb. 2024 Use your ingenuity to achieve goals that are dedicated to self-improvement and building solid relationships. Eugenia Last, The Mercury News, 27 Feb. 2024 Daters may also seek self-improvement by cultivating diverse interests in art, music or literature, going to therapy or doing volunteer work. Mark Travers, Forbes, 23 Feb. 2024 Johnson is open and exploratory, with uplifting messages and a community-centric focus that touches on successful musicians, athletes, comedy, politics, self-improvement gurus, social-justice leaders and more. John Wenzel, The Denver Post, 15 Feb. 2024 The books should be non-fiction and focus on self-improvement. USA TODAY, 4 Jan. 2024 Allocate time and resources to continual learning and self-improvement to make informed decisions and adapt your strategies. Melissa Houston, Forbes, 15 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'self-improvement.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1654, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of self-improvement was in 1654

Dictionary Entries Near self-improvement

Cite this Entry

“Self-improvement.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/self-improvement. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

self-improvement

noun
self-im·​prove·​ment
ˌsel-ˌfim-ˈprüv-mənt
: improvement of oneself by one's own actions
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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