self-actualization
Americannoun
noun
Etymology
Origin of self-actualization
First recorded in 1935–40
Explanation
In psychology, self-actualization is becoming the most complete version of yourself that you can possibly be. Most psychologists believe that self-actualization can only happen after basic needs are taken care of. Self-actualization was coined in 1939 by a German psychiatrist, but it was American psychologist Abraham Maslow who made it a popular term within his field. Maslow developed what he called a "hierarchy of needs," with the most basic human needs being things like food and a home, higher ones including friends and financial security, and the very highest being self-actualization. Creativity, understanding yourself, parenting, and forming solid romantic partnerships are all part of this ultimate personal goal.
Vocabulary lists containing self-actualization
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.
Their videos draw on popular TikTok formats like shopping “hauls” and “get ready with me” routines, making supplements seem like a step toward pleasure or self-actualization.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Mar. 18, 2026
The manosphere’s sobriety is robed in strength and self-actualization, no different than the sleep routine, supplements, and squats that will sculpt the best version of you.
From Slate ● Feb. 15, 2026
My favorite writers certainly thought so with the most popular books that year being about divorce and self-actualization: “All Fours” by Miranda July, “Splinters” by Leslie Jamison and “Liars” by Sarah Manguso.
From Los Angeles Times ● May 30, 2025
But it would be hard to see anything but liberation and hard-earned self-actualization in Schoenbrun.
From Seattle Times ● May 1, 2024
The power with which this self-actualization imbued me has been sculpturing my "I" into a form of my choosing ever more acceptable to me, and accepting of others.
From Humanistic Nursing by Josephine G. Paterson
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.
