self-regulation

noun

self-reg·​u·​la·​tion ˌself-ˌre-gyə-ˈlā-shən 

-ˌre-gə-,

 also  -ˌrā-

plural self-regulations

: the act or condition or an instance of regulating oneself or itself: such as

a

: control or supervision from within instead of by an external authority

the online marketing industry's self-regulation of consumer privacy protections

also : a rule imposed in self-regulation

Banks were left to largely manage themselves, and establish industry-wide self-regulations …

—Kevin Plummer

According to the Federal Trade Commission, food marketing cannot be false, deceptive or unfair. But there are other, more specific, self-regulations out there for ads related to kids.

—Alexandra Sifferlin

b

: the bringing of oneself or itself into a state of order, method, or uniformity

self-regulation of an ecosystem

emotional self-regulation

Examples of self-regulation in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Modeste suggests fostering open communication about technology use, setting clear expectations, and encouraging self-regulation instead. —Elizabeth Ayoola, Essence, 24 Jan. 2025

This is the ability to manage your own emotions and understand the emotions of others, which involves self-awareness, self-regulation, motivation, empathy and social skills. —Melanie Borden, Forbes, 23 Jan. 2025

Additionally, certain mental health or behavioral conditions can make self-regulation more difficult. —​wendy Wisner, Parents, 21 Jan. 2025

According to a Canyon View Medical article, helicopter parenting can hinder emotional development, self-regulation, and independence. —Michael Gfoeller and David H. Rundell, Newsweek, 16 Jan. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1698, in the meaning defined above