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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Promote a genuine humility that fuels self-improvement, season after season, and sets an example for all to follow. Tim Britton, New York Times, 20 July 2025 For example, research published in Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin shows that the way a partner supports self-improvement has a powerful impact on both one’s personal growth and on relationship quality. Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 19 July 2025 During leadership team meetings, Gwyneth sometimes brought in one of her gurus to hold a self-improvement workshop. Liz McNeil, People.com, 16 July 2025 One of his main goals for his post-basketball career is to enhance the game’s popularity as a gateway to self-improvement. Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 15 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for self-improvement

Word History

First Known Use

1654, in the meaning defined above

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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Self-improvement.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/self-improvement. Accessed 24 Jul. 2025.

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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