self-awareness

noun

self-aware·​ness ˌself-ə-ˈwer-nəs 

: an awareness of one's own personality or individuality

Examples of self-awareness in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Leaders must be grounded in self-awareness and their influence, leaning into emotional intelligence and humility; recognizing that different styles shape how people show up amid many influences, good, bad and ugly. — Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 17 July 2026

Academic administrator Joe O’Shea studied gap years and found that gap year alumni return with greater confidence, self-awareness and readiness for their next steps. — Dj Didonna, Time, 13 July 2026

The filmmaking, however, does not interrogate or even acknowledge Niki’s lack of self-awareness. — Elena Lazic, Variety, 11 July 2026

As Venus and Chiron harmonize, self-awareness is a gateway to self-expression. — Usa Today, USA Today, 10 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1876, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for self-awareness

• awareness
• unfairness
• bareness
• fairness
• squareness
• unawareness

Kids Definition

self-awareness

noun

self-aware·​ness

ˌsel-fə-ˈwa(ə)r-nəs, 

-ˈwe(ə)r-

: an awareness of one's own personality or individuality

Medical Definition

self-awareness

noun

self-aware·​ness

: an awareness of one's own personality or individuality