self-esteem
noun
self-es·teem
ˌself-ə-ˈstēm 
1
: a confidence and satisfaction in oneself : self-respect
2
Examples of self-esteem in a Sentence
friends and family have tried to help the shy child develop some self-esteem
his towering self-esteem made praise from other people entirely unnecessary
the kind of self-esteem that a struggling actor needs to keep going in the face of constant discouragement and rejection
Recent Examples on the Web
Byock said her son's worsening grades have crushed his self-esteem.
—
Tyler Kingkade, NBC news, 5 Dec. 2025
In 2021, a study published in the journal Frontiers in Psychiatry sought to explore the association with birth order in the family unit and mental health problems, self-esteem, resilience and happiness.
—Jack Beresford, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 Dec. 2025
Quit expecting public approval to boost your self-esteem as Mars and Chiron harmonize!
—Usa Today, USA Today, 5 Dec. 2025
Over the last several years, in an effort to soften stress, protect self-esteem and minimize learning loss fallout, many schools shifted to grading practices that separate academic skills from academic performance.
—Christine E Rodriguez, San Diego Union-Tribune, 5 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for self-esteem
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Tyler Kingkade, NBC news, 5 Dec. 2025
In 2021, a study published in the journal Frontiers in Psychiatry sought to explore the association with birth order in the family unit and mental health problems, self-esteem, resilience and happiness.
—Jack Beresford, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 Dec. 2025
Quit expecting public approval to boost your self-esteem as Mars and Chiron harmonize!
—Usa Today, USA Today, 5 Dec. 2025
Over the last several years, in an effort to soften stress, protect self-esteem and minimize learning loss fallout, many schools shifted to grading practices that separate academic skills from academic performance.
—Christine E Rodriguez, San Diego Union-Tribune, 5 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for self-esteem
Cite this Entry
“Self-esteem.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/self-esteem. Accessed 11 Dec. 2025.
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