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

The book also offers readers an alternative to conventional self-help narratives by prioritizing logic, intellectual curiosity, and personal accountability over simplistic affirmations. — Forbes Books Press Release Official, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026

Mysticism promises transformation, but without the transactional logic of self-help, which so often simply exacerbates the problem. — Meghan O’Gieblyn, Harpers Magazine, 30 June 2026

Led by self-help guru Soulaire Allerai, the New Age spiritual group promised its members community, purpose and spiritual growth. — Christine Pelisek, PEOPLE, 29 June 2026

In pursuit of achieving his dreams and emulating his hero Alberto Contador, Spain’s last Grand Tour champion, Ayuso has recently turned to self-help books. — Chris Marshall-Bell, New York Times, 26 June 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.