self-discipline
Americannoun
noun
Other Word Forms
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.
Jackson traveled the country preaching self-esteem and self-discipline.
From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 17, 2026
“Queen Elizabeth II had not been born to succeed,” Mr. Cannadine writes, “but by her example, her self-discipline, her public-spiritedness, and her longevity, she did so in more ways than one.”
From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 4, 2026
He says he felt that the office environment would improve his self-discipline.
From BBC • Aug. 10, 2025
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
After surviving a month of serious focus and self-discipline, I felt like I could overcome anything.
From "A Very Large Expanse of Sea" by Tahereh Mafi
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.
