self-improvement

American  

[self-im-proov-muhnt, self-] / ˈsɛlf ɪmˈpruv mənt, ˌsɛlf- /

noun

1. improvement of one's mind, character, etc., through one's own efforts.

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self-improvement British  

noun

1. the improvement of one's status, position, education, etc, by one's own efforts

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Other Word Forms

• self-improvable adjective
• self-improver noun
• self-improving adjective

Etymology

Origin of self-improvement

First recorded in 1735–45

Example Sentences

Either Americans have stumbled into a golden age of self-improvement beyond the wildest lectures of Emerson, or an entire civilization is undergoing an existential crisis.

From The Wall Street Journal

Traveling while podcasting has always been a challenge for Chris Williamson, the host of the self-improvement and philosophy podcast “Modern Wisdom.”

From Los Angeles Times

But if you’re willing to treat self-improvement the way you’d treat an investment—anchored in evidence, calibrated to incentives, and adjusted for your cognitive quirks—you can dramatically increase your odds of success.

From The Wall Street Journal

Seventy percent said they had issues with self-improvement media - involving toxic messaging or body shaming.

From BBC

For instance: convenience, travel, fitness, experiences, freedom, relationships, generosity, luxury, social status and self-improvement.

From MarketWatch