self-improvement

noun

self-im·​prove·​ment ˌself-im-ˈprüv-mənt How to pronounce self-improvement (audio)
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 These are just the mere statistics, the number-crunching, but what fuels the man now ranked No. 1 for a record eighth time is the idea of constant self-improvement, as well as keeping the lid on the wannabes. Tim Ellis, Forbes, 13 Nov. 2023 The true lesson of pilgrimage in a secular context instructs us to set out into the world with a questing spirit that is unafraid of looking without finding, allowing curiosity, sympathy and self-improvement to do the work of faith. Aatish Taseer, New York Times, 9 Nov. 2023 With a combination of poetry, personal writing, notes to self, and writing prompts, the newsletter is rooted in positivity, and of course, is a balm for those who crave the poetry in self-improvement. Amara Amaryah, Essence, 8 Nov. 2023 The goal is self-improvement, not self-flagellation. Jason O'Bryan, Robb Report, 30 Sep. 2023 Under the influence of Virgo, society as a whole has been organized and neat, shedding unnecessary baggage and investing in self-improvement, much like the sign itself. Bianca London, Glamour, 22 Sep. 2023 Getting rid of a part of ourselves is often a goal—its more common names being transformation, betterment, self-improvement. Hazlitt, 20 Sep. 2023 The channel was deleted last year, and Franke has since been working with Hildebrandt on ConneXions, a self-improvement program that offers DVDs, workshops, workbooks and other materials. Paighten Harkins, The Salt Lake Tribune, 18 Sep. 2023 This reminds us to let our inner editor out for some self-improvement and critical analysis. Tarot Astrologers, Chicago Tribune, 14 Sep. 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'self-improvement.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1654, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of self-improvement was in 1654

Dictionary Entries Near self-improvement

Cite this Entry

“Self-improvement.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/self-improvement. Accessed 3 Dec. 2023.

Kids Definition

self-improvement

noun
self-im·​prove·​ment
ˌsel-ˌfim-ˈprüv-mənt
: improvement of oneself by one's own actions
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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