self-educated

American  

[self-ej-oo-key-tid, self-] / ˌsɛlfˈɛdʒ ʊˌkeɪ tɪd, ˈsɛlf- /

adjective

1. educated by one's own efforts, especially without formal instruction.

---

self-educated British  

adjective

1. educated through one's own efforts without formal instruction

2. educated at one's own expense, without financial aid

---

Other Word Forms

• self-educating adjective
• self-education noun

Etymology

Origin of self-educated

First recorded in 1810–20

Example Sentences

His novel “Caleb Williams” introduces an embattled young hero, born poor and largely self-educated, who perceives justice in exalted terms.

From The Wall Street Journal

Rigorously self-educated about the law and routinely targeted by guards, these inspiring subjects have stayed dedicated to nonviolent reform.

From Los Angeles Times

John Spargo, a self-educated British stonemason who emigrated to New York in 1901, became an unlikely political theorist of the movement.

From Los Angeles Times

Her lack of art-school education may have set her apart but, Homer French points out, every artist is self-educated.

From New York Times

Donkey isn’t allowed to go to school, so she is more or less self-educated, and her only friend is her dog.

From Los Angeles Times