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

In a culture obsessed with self-improvement, doing something badly and privately can feel almost rebellious. —Cheryl Robinson, Forbes.com, 30 May 2026

Off the pitch, Kvaratskhelia was generous, obsessed over his self-improvement, and unfailingly polite. —Jacob Whitehead, New York Times, 29 May 2026

In her tribute to her father, Hawaa painted a picture of devotion, openness, self-improvement and selflessness. —Roxana Popescu, San Diego Union-Tribune, 20 May 2026

The self-improvement industry has never been larger, and yet the numbers keep climbing. —Nia Bowers, USA Today, 8 May 2026

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