self-doubt

noun

plural self-doubts
Synonyms of self-doubtnext
: a lack of faith in oneself : a feeling of doubt or uncertainty about one's abilities, actions, etc.
plagued with/by self-doubt
overcame her self-doubts
The man who comes through the pages of this straightforwardly written autobiography is eminently human, full of self-doubt about his personal life and his career …Walter Goodman

Examples of self-doubt 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.
The moment uncertainty appears, self-doubt increases dramatically because confidence was never built around flexibility or experimentation. Dr. Diane Hamilton, Forbes.com, 6 June 2026 Nevertheless, someone at home, or a family member might create self-doubt within you. Georgia Nicols, Denver Post, 2 June 2026 Rhaenyra is suddenly dealing with internal criticism, possible rebellions, subjects spray-painting nasty stuff on the walls and self-doubt. Bryan Alexander, USA Today, 29 May 2026 But the best cure for self-doubt is doing the hard work. Claire Zillman, Fortune, 27 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for self-doubt

Word History

First Known Use

1847, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of self-doubt was in 1847

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Self-doubt.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/self-doubt. Accessed 17 Jun. 2026.

Kids Definition

self-doubt

noun
ˈself-ˈdau̇t
: a lack of faith in oneself
self-doubting
-iŋ
adjective

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