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Showing results for self-discipline. Search instead for self-disciplined method.
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

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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.

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

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

Enrique is obsessive about PSG and his own self-discipline down to the finest details, with his watch even alerting him if he has not carried out any stretching or movement for 30 minutes.

From BBC • May 30, 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

My own self-discipline was reinforced by my aunt Phathiwe, who lived in the Great Place and scrutinized my homework every night.

From "Long Walk to Freedom" by Nelson Mandela

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.