self-help

noun

ˈself-ˈhelp 

Southern also ˈhep

: the action or process of bettering oneself or overcoming one's problems without the aid of others

especially : the coping with one's personal or emotional problems without professional help

self-help adjective

Examples of self-help in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

This includes reading self-help books, practicing meditation, and taking up journaling. —Essence, 13 Jan. 2026

The way certain works of fiction can do, her books could double as perverse self-help, starring heroines who go out of their ways to show how not to conduct your life. —Christopher Borrelli, Chicago Tribune, 13 Jan. 2026

Adams also published several non-Dilbert books, including a pair of novels, and several memoir/self-help/pop-science texts. —Jon Blistein, Rolling Stone, 13 Jan. 2026

Dozens of Dilbert books were published over 30 years, including anniversary compendiums and humorous self-help guides, like 1998’s The Joy of Work. —People Staff, PEOPLE, 13 Jan. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1628, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for self-help

• help
• kelp
• skelp
• whelp
• yelp

Kids Definition

self-help

noun

ˈself-ˈhelp

: the act of bettering oneself or overcoming one's problems without aid of others

Legal Definition

self-help

noun

ˈself-ˈhelp

: the act of redressing or preventing a wrong by one's own actions rather than through legal proceedings

Note: The Uniform Commercial Code permits creditors to repossess collateral by self-help if it can be done without a breach of the peace.