self-enhancement

noun

self-en·​hance·​ment ˌself-in-ˈhan(t)-smənt 

-en-

plural self-enhancements

: the act or process of improving or enhancing oneself or one's self-esteem

These dermatologic procedures are becoming viewed by men as a method of self-enhancement, like eating well, wearing nice clothes or going to the gym.

—Katie Chang

The study is the first to establish a cause-and-effect link between thinking positively about oneself (self-enhancement) and psychological wellbeing.

—Debbie Juniewicz

Examples of self-enhancement in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

In a two-part study, individuals who used benign humor styles — like light teasing, warmth or self-enhancement — were consistently rated more positively by friends, family and even potential romantic partners. — Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 13 May 2025

Researchers also found that individuals who strongly prioritize openness to change and self-enhancement values—such as independence and career and personal growth—are more likely to view relationships as restrictive rather than fulfilling. — Mark Travers, Forbes, 1 Mar. 2025

Use your energy to pursue a creative dream, initiate self-enhancement or help a cause that makes a difference. — Eugenia Last, The Mercury News, 12 May 2024

Makeup and plastic surgery have long been at the center of cultural debates about how much self-enhancement or self-expression is too much. — Tatum Hunter, Washington Post, 20 Sep. 2023

Now, the problem here is that we are motivated by self-enhancement. — Laura Newberry, Los Angeles Times, 9 May 2023

Word History

First Known Use

1856, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for self-enhancement

• advancement
• enhancement