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

Many courts will also offer free bankruptcy clinics or self-help resources. —Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 4 Feb. 2026

The book, part memoir and part self-help, delves into his experience coming out to his family while also providing concrete tips for moving through hardship and starting over. —Toria Sheffield, PEOPLE, 31 Jan. 2026

My mom swallowed self-help books and the occasional memoir as my dad tucked into the latest Michael Connelly. —Los Angeles Times, 30 Jan. 2026

One company, run with Laura, an equestrian, leased and sold horses for show-jumping; another company was for the self-help podcast that Jan Black and Laura Owens co-hosted until June 2025. —Martha Ross, Mercury News, 30 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.