self-conscious

adjective

self-con·​scious ˌself-ˈkän(t)-shəs 

1

a

: conscious of one's own acts or states as belonging to or originating in oneself : aware of oneself as an individual

b

: intensely aware of oneself : conscious

a rising and self-conscious social class

also : produced or done with such awareness

self-conscious art

2

: uncomfortably conscious of oneself as an object of the observation of others : ill at ease

self-consciously adverb

self-consciousness noun

Examples of self-conscious in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Her name is Judy and — this is a point Hitchcock doesn't try to conceal — she’s played by Novak, whose awkward, self-conscious performance is memorably perfect for the film's odd scenario. —Tom Gliatto, People.com, 13 June 2025

Check out this Bodega Bit, for a sample of the gang’s pleasingly self-conscious comedy. —Brittany Allen, Literary Hub, 30 May 2025

If your son is self-conscious about public displays of affection, find a compromise. —Ashleigh N. Deluca, Parents, 29 May 2025

Stock image of a man sitting apart from others, looking self-conscious. —Rachael O'Connor, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 May 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1632, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for self-conscious

• conscious
• preconscious
• subconscious
• unconscious

Kids Definition

self-conscious

adjective

self-con·​scious

ˈself-ˈkän-chəs

: uncomfortably conscious of oneself as an object of the observation of others

self-consciously adverb

self-consciousness noun