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 Nicole Yi 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
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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
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.
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Kids Definition
self-improvement
noun
self-im·prove·ment
ˌsel-ˌfim-ˈprüv-mənt
: improvement of oneself by one's own actions
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