self-made

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "self-made" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe someone who has achieved success or wealth through their own efforts, rather than through inherited wealth or assistance from others. Example: "She is a self-made entrepreneur who built her business from the ground up."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Self-made millionaire T.

Independent

All were self-made outsiders.

The New York Times

Victims are self-made.

The Guardian - Opinion

He's certainly self-made.

The New York Times

Few of them are self-made entrepreneurs.

The Economist

They scorned the interlopers' self-made fathers.

The Economist

She lionized the self-made striver.

The New York Times

Lifelong friend and self-made man.

The New York Times

He is an entirely self-made man.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

Best-selling author of SELF MADE.

HuffPost

Above all, she is SELF MADE.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a person, use "self-made" to highlight their personal effort and lack of reliance on inherited wealth or advantages. For example: "She is a "self-made" millionaire who built her company from scratch."

Common error

Avoid using "self-made" for someone who had significant initial advantages, such as a large inheritance or powerful connections. The term implies overcoming obstacles through personal effort.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "self-made" is as an adjective, modifying a noun to describe someone or something that has been created or achieved through one's own efforts. Ludwig AI confirms its common usage in describing individuals and their achievements.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Formal & Business

7%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Science

1%

Reference

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "self-made" is an adjective used to describe individuals who have achieved success through their own efforts, without relying on inherited wealth or external assistance. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and frequently used. As our analysis shows, "self-made" is most commonly found in news and media contexts, highlighting the achievements of individuals. While "self-made" is widely accepted, it's essential to use it accurately and avoid applying it to individuals who had significant initial advantages. Alternatives like "achieved through own efforts" or "self-reliant" may be more appropriate in certain contexts. In conclusion, understanding the nuances of "self-made" ensures its effective use in describing personal accomplishments.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

achieved through own efforts

Focuses on the process of achieving success rather than the resulting status.

made by oneself

Emphasizes the act of creation or construction by an individual.

worked one's way up

Highlights the gradual progression and effort involved in achieving a higher position.

rose through the ranks

Similar to "worked one's way up", but suggests a hierarchical structure.

bootstrapped

Implies starting a business or project with minimal resources.

self-reliant

Focuses on independence and the ability to provide for oneself.

independent achiever

Highlights both independence and accomplishment.

autodidactic

Refers to someone who is self-taught, focusing on education.

a person of initiative

Emphasizes the quality of taking action and starting projects independently.

self-propelled

Implies driving oneself forward without external motivation.

FAQs

How can I use "self-made" in a sentence?

You can use "self-made" to describe individuals who have achieved success through their own efforts, like in the sentence, "He is a "self-made" entrepreneur."

What is a synonym for "self-made"?

Synonyms for "self-made" include "achieved through own efforts", "self-reliant", or "bootstrapped", depending on the context.

What does it mean to be a "self-made" person?

Being a "self-made" person means you have achieved success or wealth through your own hard work, determination, and resourcefulness, without relying on inherited advantages or external support.

Is it appropriate to call someone from a wealthy family "self-made"?

It is generally not appropriate to describe someone from a wealthy family as "self-made", because this term emphasizes that the person has achieved success without significant external help. Using alternatives like "independent achiever" could be more suitable.