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
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Help Your Child Practice Self-Regulation All young children need adult coaching and repetitive practice to develop self-regulation and impulse control skills. Emily Edlynn, Parents, 1 Nov. 2024 The critical concern, however, is that monitoring in global governance often functions as self-regulation by the member states themselves. Majeed Javdani, Forbes, 30 Oct. 2024 Better understanding my own emotions has improved my self-awareness, self-regulation and outcomes. Bryant Richardson, Forbes, 21 Oct. 2024 When children and adolescents are being treated, their developmental status regarding emotional self-regulation and cognition must be taken into account. Aaron Shattuck, Scientific American, 15 Oct. 2024 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

Dictionary Entries Near self-regulation

Cite this Entry

“Self-regulation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/self-regulation. Accessed 12 Nov. 2024.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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