self-enhancement
noun
self-en·hance·ment
ˌself-in-ˈhan(t)-smənt 
-en-
plural self-enhancements
: the act or process of improving or enhancing oneself or one's self-esteem
These dermatologic procedures are becoming viewed by men as a method of self-enhancement, like eating well, wearing nice clothes or going to the gym.—
Katie Chang
Katie ChangThe study is the first to establish a cause-and-effect link between thinking positively about oneself (self-enhancement) and psychological wellbeing.—Debbie Juniewicz
Debbie JuniewiczExamples of self-enhancement in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
In a two-part study, individuals who used benign humor styles — like light teasing, warmth or self-enhancement — were consistently rated more positively by friends, family and even potential romantic partners.
—Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 13 May 2025
Researchers also found that individuals who strongly prioritize openness to change and self-enhancement values—such as independence and career and personal growth—are more likely to view relationships as restrictive rather than fulfilling.
—Mark Travers, Forbes, 1 Mar. 2025
This can also be attributed to a self-enhancement bias, where leaders see themselves in an overly favorable light, assuming their judgments are rational, accurate, and free from bias.
—Vibhas Ratanjee, Forbes, 15 Jan. 2025
However, narcissists indulge in self-enhancement rather than partner-enhancement.
—Mark Travers, Forbes, 16 Oct. 2024
Use your energy to pursue a creative dream, initiate self-enhancement or help a cause that makes a difference.
—Eugenia Last, The Mercury News, 12 May 2024
Makeup and plastic surgery have long been at the center of cultural debates about how much self-enhancement or self-expression is too much.
—Tatum Hunter, Washington Post, 20 Sep. 2023
Now, the problem here is that we are motivated by self-enhancement.
—Laura Newberry, Los Angeles Times, 9 May 2023
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.
Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 13 May 2025
Researchers also found that individuals who strongly prioritize openness to change and self-enhancement values—such as independence and career and personal growth—are more likely to view relationships as restrictive rather than fulfilling.
—Mark Travers, Forbes, 1 Mar. 2025
This can also be attributed to a self-enhancement bias, where leaders see themselves in an overly favorable light, assuming their judgments are rational, accurate, and free from bias.
—Vibhas Ratanjee, Forbes, 15 Jan. 2025
However, narcissists indulge in self-enhancement rather than partner-enhancement.
—Mark Travers, Forbes, 16 Oct. 2024
Use your energy to pursue a creative dream, initiate self-enhancement or help a cause that makes a difference.
—Eugenia Last, The Mercury News, 12 May 2024
Makeup and plastic surgery have long been at the center of cultural debates about how much self-enhancement or self-expression is too much.
—Tatum Hunter, Washington Post, 20 Sep. 2023
Now, the problem here is that we are motivated by self-enhancement.
—Laura Newberry, Los Angeles Times, 9 May 2023
Cite this Entry
“Self-enhancement.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/self-enhancement. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share