self-worth

noun

: a sense of one's own value as a human being : self-esteem
feelings of self-worth
a lack of self-worth
helping to build/develop self-worth
people with low/greater/higher self-worth
Too often, college students base their self-worth solely on their GPA.Marcia Morris
… jobs that gave them not only wages and health care and pensions but also a context, a sense of self-worth, a kind of identity.Lance Morrow
… a five-minute film that touches on themes of building inner strength and developing a strong sense of self-worth.Natalie Proulx

Examples of self-worth in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web At this point in his life, Carey knows his self-worth. Jp Mangalindan, Peoplemag, 9 Mar. 2024 Sinking self-worth into a volatile market is a bad investment. Nicolaia Rips, Vogue, 7 Mar. 2024 So much of my … self-worth is a bit harsh, but so much of my character is attached to being in a band for so long. Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 6 Mar. 2024 Acknowledging anxieties around your self-worth is key as the moon and Pluto harmonize. USA TODAY, 2 Mar. 2024 Retirement can bring an identity crisis, particularly for men of McConnell's generation whose self-worth (for better or worse) often hinged on their ability to work and provide for their families. Phaedra Trethan, USA TODAY, 29 Feb. 2024 Lyons talks about a wearing that happens like sandpaper rubbing against wood, a slow chipping away of self-worth. Byjenny Abamu, Fortune, 29 Feb. 2024 Individuals with low self-esteem may seek validation and self-worth through romantic relationships, leading to a pattern of seeking out intense relationships to feel valued and accepted. Mark Travers, Forbes, 29 Feb. 2024 Constant comparisons to their peers and face-altering filters are driving negative feelings of self-worth and promoting objectification of their bodies, researchers found. Michael H. Keller, New York Times, 23 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'self-worth.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1815, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of self-worth was in 1815

Dictionary Entries Near self-worth

Cite this Entry

“Self-worth.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/self-worth. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

self-worth

noun
-ˈwərth

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