self-development

noun

self-de·​vel·​op·​ment ˌself-di-ˈve-ləp-mənt How to pronounce self-development (audio)
-dē-
plural self-developments
: development of one's own capabilities or possibilities
Writing has been for a long time my major tool for self-instruction and self-development.Toni Cade Bambara
a self-development course/program

Examples of self-development 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.
The author provides a string of personal insights and actionable tactics that emphasize key leadership traits, such as self-development and sustainable growth. Serenity Gibbons, Forbes, 17 Oct. 2024 Daily meditation, journaling, and self-development through divination, including oracle and tarot cards, gave McMurray a sense of purpose and became a lifeline while battling chronic illness. Tonya Abari, Essence, 27 July 2024 Shah started dabbling with making YouTube videos about personal finance and self-development in December 2021 — and now has over 1 million subscribers on YouTube. Sawdah Bhaimiya, CNBC, 10 July 2024 Employers who support volunteerism in the workplace will be perceived positively by their employees, since volunteering fosters fulfillment, independence, and self-development. Crystal Faulkner and Tom Cooney, The Enquirer, 25 June 2024 People will be able to apply to the platform, gaining access to this new and dynamic education and having the opportunity to influence the future of self-development. Ethan Stone, USA TODAY, 21 June 2024 Creatives are open-minded idealists who strongly value self-development and cultural expression. Martijn Lampert, Foreign Affairs, 6 July 2016 The governor’s office considers the effect of a commutation or pardon on the community, the age and circumstances of the crime and sentence, self-development and rehabilitation, and the need for clemency, among other factors. Hannah Wiley, Los Angeles Times, 30 Mar. 2024 Even to be a small part of it and seeing the impact of what the program meant to their growth and self-development was unbelievable. Natasha Dye, Peoplemag, 27 Nov. 2023

Word History

First Known Use

1817, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of self-development was in 1817

Dictionary Entries Near self-development

Cite this Entry

“Self-development.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/self-development. Accessed 14 Nov. 2024.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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