self-made

[ self-meyd ]

adjective

1. having succeeded in life unaided:

   He is a self-made man.

2. made by oneself.

self-made

adjective

1. having achieved wealth, status, etc, by one's own efforts
2. made by oneself

Word History and Origins

Origin of self-made¹

First recorded in 1605–15

Example Sentences

Indeed, Stewart overcame many obstacles to become the first self-made female billionaire in the U.S.

From Salon

Although justifiably proud of becoming the first self-made female billionaire in American history, she admits she still doesn’t have an answer to the question, “What is more important, a marriage or a career?”

From Los Angeles Times

Hoover was a self-made man, having earned a degree in engineering as a member of the first graduating class of Stanford University and making a fortune as a mining engineer.

From Los Angeles Times

Fans of her club, which foregrounds Black female writers, will likely want to read about the authors who shaped this self-made literary titan.

From Los Angeles Times

“Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs is a music icon, self-made entrepreneur, loving family man, and proven philanthropist who has spent the last 30 years building an empire, adoring his children, and working to uplift the Black community.”

From Los Angeles Times