self-development

noun

self-de·​vel·​op·​ment ˌself-di-ˈve-ləp-mənt How to pronounce self-development (audio)
-dē-
plural self-developments
: development of one's own capabilities or possibilities
Writing has been for a long time my major tool for self-instruction and self-development.Toni Cade Bambara
a self-development course/program

Examples of self-development in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
It’s been great for my own psychological self-development. David Lyman, The Enquirer, 2 July 2025 The competitive advantage of trigger mastery: superpower self-development Learning to transform your triggers gives you an edge few people possess. Jodie Cook, Forbes.com, 20 June 2025 Get real self-development with access to Headway Premium for just $47.99 (reg. Stackcommerce Team, PC Magazine, 18 June 2025 Practicing self-reflection and self-development will shift your mindset toward growth. Rolling Stone Culture Council, Rolling Stone, 11 June 2025 Develop Yourself First Emotional intelligence can only be developed through self-development. Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 5 June 2025 The Happiness Retreat The cornerstone of the Art of Living’s programming is the Happiness Retreat, a 3-day immersive experience that blends ancient yogic wisdom with modern self-development practices. Judy Koutsky, Forbes.com, 14 Apr. 2025 Still, Gen Z is cautious, with 22 percent prioritizing self-development before committing to serious relationships and many cite financial readiness as a key condition for having kids. Josh Hammer, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 Apr. 2025 This type of self-development dates back to the hugely popular Spiritualist movement of the 19th century. Elizabeth Garner Masarik / Made By History, TIME, 16 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1817, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of self-development was in 1817

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Cite this Entry

“Self-development.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/self-development. Accessed 14 Jul. 2025.

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