self-enhancement

noun

self-en·​hance·​ment ˌself-in-ˈhan(t)-smənt 

-en-

plural self-enhancements

: the act or process of improving or enhancing oneself or one's self-esteem

These dermatologic procedures are becoming viewed by men as a method of self-enhancement, like eating well, wearing nice clothes or going to the gym.

—Katie Chang

The study is the first to establish a cause-and-effect link between thinking positively about oneself (self-enhancement) and psychological wellbeing.

—Debbie Juniewicz

Examples of self-enhancement in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

This can also be attributed to a self-enhancement bias, where leaders see themselves in an overly favorable light, assuming their judgments are rational, accurate, and free from bias. —Vibhas Ratanjee, Forbes, 15 Jan. 2025

However, narcissists indulge in self-enhancement rather than partner-enhancement. —Mark Travers, Forbes, 16 Oct. 2024

Use your energy to pursue a creative dream, initiate self-enhancement or help a cause that makes a difference. —Eugenia Last, The Mercury News, 12 May 2024

Makeup and plastic surgery have long been at the center of cultural debates about how much self-enhancement or self-expression is too much. —Tatum Hunter, Washington Post, 20 Sep. 2023

Now, the problem here is that we are motivated by self-enhancement. —Laura Newberry, Los Angeles Times, 9 May 2023

Word History

First Known Use

1856, in the meaning defined above