self-actualize

verb

self-ac·​tu·​al·​ize ˌself-ˈak-ch(ə-w)ə-ˌlīz 

-sh(ə-w)ə-ˌlīz

self-actualized; self-actualizing; self-actualizes

intransitive verb

: to realize fully one's potential

self-actualization

ˌself-ˌak-ch(ə-w)ə-lə-ˈzā-shən 

-sh(ə-w)ə-lə-

noun

Examples of self-actualize in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Will Ruben be the death of Niall, or will his outsized confidence turn out to be exactly what Niall needs to self-actualize? — Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 21 Apr. 2026

The zainy, free-spirited, self-actualized, and destructive singer has had difficult cultural and public moments. — Dominique Fluker, Forbes.com, 29 Jan. 2026

Finances are just one part of building a great life and reaching your full potential to self-actualize in this life. — Matthew Kayser, USA Today, 15 Oct. 2025

Few people are able to truly self-actualize in this way. — Corey Buhay, Outside, 15 Sep. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1874, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

self-actualize

verb

self-ac·​tu·​al·​ize

ˌsel-ˈfak-ch(ə-w)əl-ˌīz, 

-sh(ə-w)əl-

: to realize fully one's potential

self-actualization

-ˌfak-ch(ə-w)ə-lə-ˈzā-shən, 

-ˌfaksh-wə-

noun

Medical Definition

self-actualize

intransitive verb

self-ac·​tu·​al·​ize

variants also British self-actualise

ˈself-ˈak-ch(ə-w)ə-ˌlīz 

self-actualized also British self-actualised; self-actualizing also British self-actualising

: to realize fully one's potential

self-actualization noun

also British self-actualisation

-ˌak-ch(ə-w)ə-lə-ˈzā-shən