noun
self-improvement
self-im-PROOV-muhnt
Self-improvement (noun) means the effort to make yourself better through your own initiative, by building skills, habits, health, knowledge or character. Example: “He threw himself into self-improvement, taking night classes and running every morning.”
noun
1
The effort to make yourself better through your own initiative, by building skills, habits, health, knowledge or character.
"He threw himself into self-improvement, taking night classes and running every morning."
"The shelf was three deep in self-improvement books."
How to use self-improvement
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishWorking on yourself to get better at things or to be a better person.
When to use it
Neutral, though heavy use can sound like marketing; personal development is the more corporate synonym.
Easily confused with
self-care
self-help
personal development
Common pairings
self-improvement journey
self-improvement book
committed to self-improvement
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Synonyms
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Rhymes for self-improvement
cement
element
clement
movement
pavement
tenement
inclement
abatement
amusement
statement
agreement
excrement
See all rhymes for self-improvement →
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between self-improvement and self-care?
Self-improvement is about becoming better at something or changing who you are, and it usually demands effort. Self-care is about maintaining your wellbeing and often means resting or easing off rather than pushing harder.
Is self-improvement the same as self-help?
Self-improvement is the activity; self-help is mainly the genre and industry built around it. You practise self-improvement, and you read self-help.
Is self-improvement hyphenated?
Yes. Self- compounds take a hyphen in standard English, so self-improvement is correct and selfimprovement is not.
What is the meaning of self-improvement?
"self-improvement" (noun) means the effort to make yourself better through your own initiative, by building skills, habits, health, knowledge or character.
