self-directed

1 of 2

adjective

self-di·​rect·​ed ˌself-də-ˈrek-təd 

-dī-

1

: directed for or by oneself

self-directed retirement plans

self-directed classroom activities

a self-directed performance

2

: directed at oneself

self-directed anger

3

: directing oneself or capable of directing oneself

empowering students to become self-directed learners

self-directed

2 of 2

past tense and past participle of self-direct

Examples of self-directed in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

So much of the resentment in the book was actually self-directed. — Literary Hub, 2 Sep. 2026

Sometimes, this adaptation is self-directed, as in the case of rodents or coyotes attracted to human food stores. — Elan Abrell, The Conversation, 22 July 2026

Its Sauna Garden lets visitors alternate between sauna sessions and cold plunge tubs, either guided or self-directed, and the space doubles as a venue for yoga, sound baths and pop-up events. — Hanna Wickes, Charlotte Observer, 9 May 2026

Its Sauna Garden lets visitors alternate between sauna sessions and cold plunge tubs, either guided or self-directed. — Hanna Wickes, Sacbee.com, 9 May 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1742, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for self-directed

• disaffected
• disconnected
• disinfected
• interjected
• intersected
• misdirected
• preselected
• recollected
• reconnected
• redirected
• reelected
• resurrected

Kids Definition

self-directed

adjective

self-di·​rect·​ed

ˌself-də-ˈrek-təd, 

-dī-

: directed by oneself and not by an outside force or agency

a self-directed personality