self-help

noun

ˈself-ˈhelp How to pronounce self-help (audio)
Southern also ˈhep
: the action or process of bettering oneself or overcoming one's problems without the aid of others
especially : the coping with one's personal or emotional problems without professional help
self-help adjective

Examples of self-help 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.
From his sprawling property in the rolling hills of northwest Georgia, Greg Baer built a self-help organization with a deeply human mission. — Rich Schapiro, NBC news, 20 June 2026 Mysticism promises transformation, but without the transactional logic of self-help, which so often simply exacerbates the problem. — Meghan O’Gieblyn, Harpers Magazine, 30 June 2026 For those who prefer nonfiction, history is the top choice (the clear favorite among men), while women are more divided between books about religions, philosophy, or spirituality and books about self-help and wellness. — Fred Backus, CBS News, 18 June 2026 In pursuit of achieving his dreams and emulating his hero Alberto Contador, Spain’s last Grand Tour champion, Ayuso has recently turned to self-help books. — Chris Marshall-Bell, New York Times, 26 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for self-help

Word History

First Known Use

1628, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of self-help was in 1628

Rhymes for self-help

See All Rhymes for self-help

Browse Nearby Words

self-healing
self-help
self-heterodyne
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Self-help.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/self-help. Accessed 10 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

self-help

noun
ˈself-ˈhelp
: the act of bettering oneself or overcoming one's problems without aid of others

Legal Definition

self-help

noun
ˈself-ˈhelp
: the act of redressing or preventing a wrong by one's own actions rather than through legal proceedings

Note: The Uniform Commercial Code permits creditors to repossess collateral by self-help if it can be done without a breach of the peace.

More from Merriam-Webster on self-help

Nglish: Translation of self-help for Spanish Speakers

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