self-improvement

noun

self-im·​prove·​ment ˌself-im-ˈprüv-mənt 

plural self-improvements

: the act or process of improving oneself by one's own actions

individuals interested in self-improvement

opportunities for self-improvement

also : an instance or result of such improvement

You don't need to wait to ring in the new year to start making self-improvements, because it's always a good time.

—Nicole Yi

—often used before another noun

self-improvement efforts

a self-improvement blog

Examples of self-improvement in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

But why are so many young men convinced their appearance needs to be fixed, and when does self-improvement turn into self-harm? — Nicole Fallert, USA Today, 13 Aug. 2026

Arvind Narayanan is skeptical that recursive self-improvement will drive such fierce progress. — Harry Booth, Time, 7 Aug. 2026

Maxxing involves individuals ignoring the potentially harmful consequences of their actions in pursuit of unrealistic and often thwarted ideals of self-improvement. — Brennan Barnard, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026

Grady-White spends $350,000 to $400,000 each year paying employees to read self-improvement books. — Preston Fore, Fortune, 29 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1654, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for self-improvement

• improvement
• movement

Kids Definition

self-improvement

noun

self-im·​prove·​ment

ˌsel-ˌfim-ˈprüv-mənt

: improvement of oneself by one's own actions