self-direct

verb

self-di·​rect ˌself-də-ˈrekt 

-dī-

self-directed; self-directing; self-directs

1

a

transitive : to direct or manage (something, such as one's work, study, or investments) for or by oneself

… the author discusses the basic elements and benefits of self-directing your retirement funds.

—Mark J. Kohler

… allowing her children to self-direct their education, letting them decide what to learn based on their interests.

—Katrina J. E. Milton

b

intransitive : to direct or guide oneself : to make choices for or by oneself

Something magical happens by letting kids self-direct. They're happy and moving and healthy.

—Grant Segall

2

transitive + intransitive : to serve as the director of something (such as a play) in which one also performs

… decided to self-direct two one-act plays in lieu of the fall musical.

—The Colchester (Vermont) Sun

With their new company, they are also able to self-direct and produce.

—Nicole S. Colson

self-directing

ˌself-də-ˈrek-tiŋ 

-dī-

adjective

self-directing investors

The purpose of 4-H is to help youth acquire knowledge, develop life skills, and form attitudes that will enable them to become self-directing, productive members of society.

—Northern Wyoming Daily News

self-direction

ˌself-də-ˈrek-shən 

-dī-

noun

Creating jobs that allow for self-direction, for independent thought and judgment, can make people more supportive and flexible at home.

—Adam Grant

Examples of self-direct in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The industry is at a point where technology needs to be smart and self-directed. —Yevgeni Tsirulnik, Forbes.com, 18 July 2025

And women were more independent and self-directed than ever before. —Laird Borrelli-Persson, Vogue, 7 July 2025

Digital Nomads Point to the Future of Business The rise of digital nomads previews the future of work: flexible, global, technology-enabled, and self-directed. —Sarah Hernholm, Forbes.com, 4 July 2025

As work becomes increasingly complex and self-directed, understanding this relationship provides a competitive advantage. —Jonathan H. Westover, Forbes.com, 6 May 2025

People with entrepreneurial mindsets are self-directed, action-oriented, and deeply engaged in their work. —Caroline Castrillon, Forbes.com, 28 Apr. 2025

By contrast, under developmental leadership, team members determine the approach to work and feel empowered to self-direct their efforts. —Michael Hudson, Forbes.com, 31 Mar. 2025

Incorporate Transparency At Every Step The new generation of investors are very self-directed and hands-on, unlike their parents and grandparents. —Expert Panel®, Forbes, 21 Mar. 2025

There are about 21,000 Marylanders with IDD who are receiving supports that are either community provider-based or self-directed. —Karen Lee, Baltimore Sun, 26 Feb. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1903, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for self-direct

• architect
• circumspect
• deselect
• dialect
• disconnect
• disinfect
• disrespect
• incorrect
• indirect
• intellect
• interject
• intersect