self-improvement
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.”
How to Use Self-improvement
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishWorking on yourself to get better at things or to be a better person.
Neutral, though heavy use can sound like marketing; personal development is the more corporate synonym.
Fill the Gap
Can you complete this real example?
He threw himself into _____, taking night classes and running every morning.
Synonyms
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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.