self-help

noun

ˈself-ˈhelp How to pronounce self-help (audio)
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
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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 But where Smith believed unrealistically in talismanic lists and self-help books to redirect his life, Capote clung fiercely to his own brilliance and hard work. Literary Hub, 12 Jan. 2026 Students would read only literature — no biographies or self-help books. Lila Shapiro, Vulture, 7 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for self-help

Word History

First Known Use

1628, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of self-help was in 1628

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Cite this Entry

“Self-help.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/self-help. Accessed 15 Jan. 2026.

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.

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