self-esteem

noun

self-es·​teem ˌself-ə-ˈstēm 

1

: a confidence and satisfaction in oneself : self-respect

2

: self-conceit

Synonyms

• ego
• pride
• pridefulness
• self-regard
• self-respect

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

Account hopes to combat misogynistic online content Creators like Andrew Tate provide a pipeline for men seeking advice about romantic rejection, physical self-esteem and economic insecurity to fall into radicalism and misogyny. —Rachel Hale, USA Today, 29 Apr. 2025

Celebrate small successes to preserve their self-esteem. —Verywell Health, 29 Apr. 2025

All of this leaves their professional pride, self-esteem and passion to deliver workplace equity in a state of purgatory. —Doug Melville, Forbes.com, 29 Apr. 2025

For young adults ages 18 to 25, studies have found higher levels of screen time associated with addiction, lower self-esteem, mental health issues, and slower learning. —Discover Magazine, 26 Apr. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1619, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for self-esteem

• academe
• cherubim
• elohim
• episteme
• seraphim
• abeam
• airstream
• bloodstream
• daydream
• downstream
• esteem
• extreme

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