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

Concentrate on self-improvement instead. —Usa Today, USA Today, 11 Oct. 2025

The manosphere—an intersecting web of influencers and communities that run the gamut from self-improvement to neo-misogyny and white supremacy—offers a counterfeit version of these needs. —Jonathon Reed, Time, 8 Oct. 2025

His professionalism and desire for self-improvement are sufficient that competition for his place does not matter. —Matt Woosnam, New York Times, 30 Sep. 2025

Chad Powers is hollow and unconvincing — especially the hints of Russ’ self-improvement and the inevitable vague flirtations between Chad and Ricky — but what if it’s all supposed to be hollow and unconvincing? —Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 26 Sep. 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