self-improvement

noun

self-im·​prove·​ment ˌself-im-ˈprüv-mənt 

plural self-improvements

: the act or process of improving oneself by one's own actions

individuals interested in self-improvement

opportunities for self-improvement

also : an instance or result of such improvement

You don't need to wait to ring in the new year to start making self-improvements, because it's always a good time.

—Nicole Yi

—often used before another noun

self-improvement efforts

a self-improvement blog

Examples of self-improvement in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

But this self-improvement could easily outpace our ability to keep them aligned with human values, raising the risk that seemingly helpful AIs might ultimately pursue their own goals. —Sharon Goldman, Fortune, 26 June 2025

Richie, running the front of the house, continues on his journey of self-improvement, crafting inspirational addresses to the staff, meditating on a photo of a Japanese Zen garden and dealing in an adult way with his soon-to-be-remarried ex-wife and daughter; the Bear has become his lifeline. —Robert Lloyd, Los Angeles Times, 26 June 2025

The point is not self-improvement, but self-erasure. —Ellen O'Connell Whittet june 25, Literary Hub, 25 June 2025

That led to a self-improvement project, turning the home of the original Dueling Dragons roller coaster into the space for Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure. —Dewayne Bevil, The Orlando Sentinel, 24 June 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1654, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for self-improvement

• improvement
• movement

Kids Definition

self-improvement

noun

self-im·​prove·​ment

ˌsel-ˌfim-ˈprüv-mənt

: improvement of oneself by one's own actions