self-regulation

noun

self-reg·​u·​la·​tion ˌself-ˌre-gyə-ˈlā-shən How to pronounce self-regulation (audio)
-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-regulationsKevin 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
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.
Emotional intelligence is generally defined as the ability to have self-awareness and self-regulation for one’s own emotions, as well as the ability to recognize and empathize with the feelings of others. Kate Vitasek, Forbes, 21 Feb. 2025 That action might include working with a therapist to make meaning of your childhood through an adult lens, gain tools for self-regulation in your relationships and work through your grief about your own childhood and that of your children. Lori Gottlieb, New York Times, 13 Feb. 2025 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 See All Example Sentences for self-regulation

Word History

First Known Use

1698, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of self-regulation was in 1698

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Cite this Entry

“Self-regulation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/self-regulation. Accessed 27 Feb. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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