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self-regulation

American  
[self-reg-yuh-ley-shuhn, self-] / ˌsɛlfˌrɛg jəˈleɪ ʃən, ˌsɛlf- /

noun

  1. control by oneself or itself, as in an economy, business organization, etc., especially such control as exercised independently of governmental supervision, laws, or the like.


Etymology

Origin of self-regulation

First recorded in 1685–95

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, Duncan Smith said self-regulation had "proven ineffective across much of gambling policy" and called on the government to introduce "a robust regulatory framework with enforceable safeguards".

From BBC • May 13, 2026

Holding back a child can be a good option to allow children extra time to develop self-control and self-regulation skills vital for the classroom, said Stanford professor Thomas Dee, who has studied red-shirting.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 24, 2026

Last month, he published a lengthy essay that pushed for self-regulation and warned about the potential dangers, from AI-powered bioterrorism to job losses.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 4, 2026

Neither self-regulation by the profession nor government-sponsored boards have ensured the clarity and reliability of financial reporting.

From Barron's • Oct. 13, 2025

The laws of all organic life are remarkably peculiar; they possess, in an eminent degree, the power of self-regulation.

From The American Reformed Cattle Doctor by Dadd, George

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