self-esteem

noun

self-es·​teem ˌself-ə-ˈstēm How to pronounce self-esteem (audio)
Synonyms of self-esteemnext
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
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Tweens and teens look to each other for clarity and guidance on how to behave and how to feel, all the while gambling with each other’s social confidence and self-esteem. Anna Wiener, New Yorker, 4 May 2026 Sara also noted to SWNS that pageants have boosted her daughter's self-esteem through the years. Lexi Lane, PEOPLE, 2 May 2026 As a result, your self-esteem begins to suffer. Kathy and Ross Petrass, CNBC, 24 Apr. 2026 The Dodgers did wonders for both his ERA and his self-esteem. Bill Plunkett, Oc Register, 23 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for self-esteem

Word History

First Known Use

1619, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of self-esteem was in 1619

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Self-esteem.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/self-esteem. Accessed 8 May. 2026.

Kids Definition

self-esteem

noun
self-es·​teem
ˌsel-fə-ˈstēm
1
: a confidence and satisfaction in oneself : self-respect
2
: an exaggerated opinion of one's own abilities : self-conceit

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