self-development

noun

self-de·​vel·​op·​ment ˌself-di-ˈve-ləp-mənt How to pronounce self-development (audio)
-dē-
plural self-developments
: development of one's own capabilities or possibilities
Writing has been for a long time my major tool for self-instruction and self-development.—Toni Cade Bambara
a self-development course/program

Examples of self-development in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Leo stands for self-development, creative power, and guidance from the heart. — Katharina Fuchs, Vogue, 3 Feb. 2026 The Bruins could focus on self-development, rather than using practice solely for game prep. — Aaron Heisen, Daily News, 13 Feb. 2026 Great careers require self-development and the right surroundings to succeed. — Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 6 Apr. 2026 According to this view, consumption is viewed as a practice to make sense of the world through self-development and creation of identity projects. — Ayse Binay Kurultay, Encyclopedia Britannica, 11 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for self-development

Word History

First Known Use

1817, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of self-development was in 1817

Rhymes for self-development

See All Rhymes for self-development

Browse Nearby Words

self-determinism
self-development
self-devoted
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Self-development.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/self-development. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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