self-improvement

noun

self-im·​prove·​ment ˌself-im-ˈprüv-mənt 

plural self-improvements

: the act or process of improving oneself by one's own actions

individuals interested in self-improvement

opportunities for self-improvement

also : an instance or result of such improvement

You don't need to wait to ring in the new year to start making self-improvements, because it's always a good time.

—Nicole Yi

—often used before another noun

self-improvement efforts

a self-improvement blog

Examples of self-improvement in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Research shows that more nurturing and action-oriented support from partners leads to greater success in self-improvement and higher relationship satisfaction, as opposed to criticism and invalidation from partners, which can hinder progress. —Mark Travers, Forbes, 20 Jan. 2025

Romance is on the rise, and self-improvement will pay off. —Eugenia Last, The Mercury News, 17 Jan. 2025

Allie Volpe is a senior reporter at Vox covering mental health, relationships, wellness, money, home life, and work through the lens of meaningful self-improvement. —Allie Volpe, Vox, 15 Jan. 2025

Desperate to juice his lackluster numbers, Colvin deepened his commitment to self-improvement. —Brendan I. Koerner, WIRED, 13 Jan. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1654, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

self-improvement

noun

self-im·​prove·​ment

ˌsel-ˌfim-ˈprüv-mənt

: improvement of oneself by one's own actions