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.
From the sound of it, this decade-long LVMH veteran has embarked on a course of self-improvement. — Luke Leitch, Vogue, 24 June 2026 The two kinds of recursive self-improvement—AI’s and humans’—are connected. — Arianna Huffington, Time, 29 June 2026 His message of self-improvement slots in nicely with what many believe about this country, that anyone can reap the rewards of meritocracy and even the deepest wounds can heal. — Vivian Yee, New York Times, 20 June 2026 Clearer too is the animating force behind his lyrics, carried forward from hardcore and post-hardcore, that self-improvement is vital and even political. — Alex Robert Ross, Pitchfork, 24 June 2026 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

Rhymes for self-improvement

See All Rhymes for self-improvement

Browse Nearby Words

self-impotent
self-improvement
self-improver
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Self-improvement.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/self-improvement. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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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
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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