self-help

noun

ˈself-ˈhelp 

 Southern also  ˈhep

: the action or process of bettering oneself or overcoming one's problems without the aid of others

especially : the coping with one's personal or emotional problems without professional help

self-help adjective

Examples of self-help in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

This is especially the case for self-help books or supplements, adds Kumar. —Kayla Blanton, Outside Online, 13 Mar. 2025

The influential hosts will dispense life advice off listener questions (unsurprising) with the help of an array of celebrity guests (even less surprising), including Issa Rae, Tyler Perry, fellow podcasters Glennon Doyle and Abby Wambach, and probable self-help grifter Jay Shetty. —Nicholas Quah, Vulture, 11 Mar. 2025

She was actively involved in self-help and substance abuse programs and participated in volunteer work. —Monica Mercuri, Forbes, 10 Mar. 2025

Tran’s Valerie is a global guru, pitching self-worth via self-help as a motivational speaker. —Stephen Schaefer, Boston Herald, 9 Mar. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1628, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for self-help

• help
• kelp
• skelp
• whelp
• yelp

Kids Definition

self-help

noun

ˈself-ˈhelp

: the act of bettering oneself or overcoming one's problems without aid of others

Legal Definition

self-help

noun

ˈself-ˈhelp

: the act of redressing or preventing a wrong by one's own actions rather than through legal proceedings

Note: The Uniform Commercial Code permits creditors to repossess collateral by self-help if it can be done without a breach of the peace.