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

Kevin Nealon plays Happy’s overly positive AT&T Open partner Gary Potter, who comes off as more of an eccentric self-help guru impersonator than a pro golfer. — Skyler Trepel, PEOPLE, 5 July 2026

The celebration included dual Zac Posen custom designs – DeGeneres in a cream vest and slacks, de Rossi in a tuxedo halter top and baby pink tulle skirt – plus an all-vegan menu, and it was officiated by self-help author and friend Wayne Dyer. — Taijuan Moorman, USA Today, 3 July 2026

The book also offers readers an alternative to conventional self-help narratives by prioritizing logic, intellectual curiosity, and personal accountability over simplistic affirmations. — Forbes Books Press Release Official, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026

Mysticism promises transformation, but without the transactional logic of self-help, which so often simply exacerbates the problem. — Meghan O’Gieblyn, Harpers Magazine, 30 June 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.