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Showing results for self-discipline. Search instead for practicing self-discipline.
Synonyms

self-discipline

American  
[self-dis-uh-plin, self-] / ˌsɛlfˈdɪs ə plɪn, ˈsɛlf- /

noun

  1. discipline and training of oneself, usually for improvement.

    Acquiring the habit of promptness requires self-discipline.
self-discipline British  

noun

  1. the act of disciplining or power to discipline one's own feelings, desires, etc, esp with the intention of improving oneself

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

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."

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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.

Mr. Mamdani would present an enticing target to a political opponent of laconic self-discipline and charitable forbearance.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 3, 2025

But showing iron will, great determination and self-discipline, Pant fought his way back from what seemed a dead-end to his career.

From BBC • Dec. 7, 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

Is it all down to a lack of self-discipline?

From Science Daily • Nov. 30, 2023

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.