self-discipline
Americannoun
noun
Other Word Forms
- self-disciplined adjective
Etymology
Origin of self-discipline
First recorded in 1830–40
Compare meaning
How does self-discipline compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:
Explanation
When you are in control of your feelings or impulses, that's called self-discipline. Even if it takes a lot of self-discipline not to giggle when your teacher solemnly scolds the class, you shouldn't let yourself do it. Someone who has the trait of self-discipline is described as self-disciplined. It takes self-discipline to do all sorts of things, from practicing piano every day until you're ready for your recital, to resisting the urge to eat the cupcakes your brother baked for dessert, or biting your tongue instead of telling your cranky neighbor what you really think of her yappy dog. Discipline is used here to mean "practice, knowledge, or training," rather than "punishment."
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.
However, the researchers note that the findings show a correlation, not cause and effect, and that factors like motivation or self-discipline may also influence outcomes.
From Science Daily • Mar. 30, 2026
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
It may have been that they were weak people, ill suited for the rigors of emigration, its humiliations and compromises, its competing demands of self-discipline and adventurousness.
From "Orphan Train" by Christina Baker Kline
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.
