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

On some level, this is a self-help book about midlife crises. —The New Yorker, New Yorker, 28 Jan. 2026

In that way, intuitive guidance functions a lot like advice columns, self-help books or thoughtful commentary. —William Jones january 21, Miami Herald, 21 Jan. 2026

The book is part self-help book, with facts about the perimenopause and menopause transition; part memoir; part practical workbook with tools and resources; and part humor book, brimming with Sanders’ raw and authentic comedic style. —Deborah Vankin, Los Angeles Times, 20 Jan. 2026

Many self-help ideas stop at insight, but this framework emphasizes moving from seeing to practicing, to ultimately becoming. —Daniel Fusch, USA Today, 19 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.