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Synonyms

self-discipline

American  
[self-dis-uh-plin, self-] / ˌsɛlfˈdɪs ə plɪn, ˈsɛlf- /

noun

  1. discipline and training of oneself, usually for improvement.

    Acquiring the habit of promptness requires self-discipline.
self-discipline British  

noun

  1. the act of disciplining or power to discipline one's own feelings, desires, etc, esp with the intention of improving oneself

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

  • self-disciplined adjective

Etymology

Origin of self-discipline

First recorded in 1830–40

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Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

He wants the nation to reflect on the things that he’s asked his own son to understand: “self-restraint and self-discipline and self-control.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 13, 2026

The former officer, who wants to remain anonymous, said he was attracted to a career in the prison service due to the self-discipline and integrity the role requires.

From BBC • Sep. 23, 2024

I can get lost in an algorithm on my phone and having the self-discipline to stop and be here now is an ongoing journey.

From Salon • Apr. 18, 2024

Is it all down to a lack of self-discipline?

From Science Daily • Nov. 30, 2023

Even as a student, I saw many young men who had great natural ability, but who did not have the self-discipline and patience to build on their endowment.

From "Long Walk to Freedom" by Nelson Mandela

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.