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

Allie Volpe is a senior reporter at Vox covering mental health, relationships, wellness, money, home life, and work through the lens of meaningful self-improvement. —Allie Volpe, Vox, 1 Feb. 2025

New Year’s resolutions often revolve around self-improvement, and for many, that means cutting back on alcohol or completely detoxing. —Matt Rozo, The Mercury News, 31 Jan. 2025

This concept of self-improvement is deeply-rooted in the core values of Confuscianism, which is widely practiced in China. —Nadia Lopez, Axios, 28 Jan. 2025

One detour hints at his own past: an escape from a lower-income background for self-improvement and city living. —J. Kim Murphy, Variety, 24 Jan. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1654, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

self-improvement

noun

self-im·​prove·​ment

ˌsel-ˌfim-ˈprüv-mənt

: improvement of oneself by one's own actions