self-help: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
HighNeutral to Formal
Quick answer
What does “self-help” mean?
The use of one's own efforts and resources to improve one's situation, solve problems, or achieve personal growth, without relying on external professional assistance.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The use of one's own efforts and resources to improve one's situation, solve problems, or achieve personal growth, without relying on external professional assistance.
A genre of books, media, or resources aimed at personal improvement; the idea that individuals can empower themselves through knowledge and specific techniques.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in core meaning. 'Self-help' is the standard spelling in both varieties. The concept is equally prevalent.
Connotations
In both, can carry slightly mixed connotations: positive (empowerment, proactivity) and negative (oversimplified, commercialised advice).
Frequency
Equally high frequency in both UK and US English due to the popularity of the genre.
Grammar
How to Use “self-help” in a Sentence
N of self-help (e.g., 'a book of self-help')Adj+N (self-help resources)N+N compound (self-help section)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “self-help” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The council encouraged residents to self-help with the community clean-up.
American English
- The software is designed to help users self-help through detailed tutorials.
adverb
British English
- This is not typically used as an adverb.
American English
- This is not typically used as an adverb.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Refers to resources for employee development or customer-facing knowledge bases (e.g., 'a self-help portal for IT issues').
Academic
Used in psychology, sociology, and literary studies to critique or analyse the self-help genre and its cultural impact.
Everyday
Commonly used to refer to books, podcasts, or groups aimed at personal improvement (e.g., 'I found a good self-help book for anxiety').
Technical
In computing/IT: a 'self-help' system or kiosk allows users to troubleshoot problems without staff intervention.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “self-help”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “self-help”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “self-help”
- Using it as a verb (e.g., 'I self-helped' – incorrect). It's a noun or adjective. The verb form is 'to help oneself'.
- Misspelling as one word ('selfhelp') or two separate words ('self help') in formal writing. The hyphenated form is standard.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, 'self-help' is primarily a noun (e.g., 'a guide to self-help') or an adjective (e.g., 'a self-help book'). The verb phrase is 'to help oneself'.
'Self-help' focuses on active improvement, solving problems, or gaining skills. 'Self-care' focuses on maintenance, well-being, and restorative practices like relaxation.
Yes, in law, 'self-help' can refer to a remedy where a party takes direct action to right a wrong without resorting to the courts (e.g., repossessing property under specific conditions).
It is often criticised for oversimplifying complex psychological issues, making unrealistic promises, promoting a 'one-size-fits-all' approach, and being highly commercialised.
The use of one's own efforts and resources to improve one's situation, solve problems, or achieve personal growth, without relying on external professional assistance.
Self-help is usually neutral to formal in register.
Self-help: in British English it is pronounced /ˌself ˈhelp/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌsɛlf ˈhɛlp/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Pull yourself up by your bootstraps (related concept)”
- “Help yourself (related imperative)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
SELF-HELP: SEEKING ENLIGHTENMENT, LEARNING FOR LIFEECONOMY – HELPING EMPOWER PERSONAL PROGRESS.
Conceptual Metaphor
THE MIND IS A MACHINE/GARDEN TO BE FIXED/CULTIVATED (through self-help techniques).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'self-help' LEAST likely to be used?