self-actualization

American  

[self-ak-choo-uh-luh-zey-shuhn, self-ak-] / ˈsɛlfˌæk tʃu ə ləˈzeɪ ʃən, ˌsɛlf æk- /

noun

Psychology.

1. the achievement of one's full potential through creativity, independence, spontaneity, and a grasp of the real world.

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self-actualization British  

noun

1. psychol the process of establishing oneself as a whole person, able to develop one's abilities and to understand oneself

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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.

Example Sentences

Caught up in my own personal videogame, I would furiously listen to podcasts about fitness, purity, self-actualization, completing my ring.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 29, 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

Any humiliations Crowe might have suffered as an uncertain teen were for his mother merely speed bumps on the journey to self-actualization, ideally as a lawyer.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 27, 2025

But it would be hard to see anything but liberation and hard-earned self-actualization in Schoenbrun.

From Seattle Times • May 1, 2024

They bring something to the dialogue in which self-actualization occurs.

From Herein is Love A Study of the Biblical Doctrine of Love in Its Bearing on Personality, Parenthood, Teaching, and All Other Human Relationships. by Howe, Reuel L.