self-esteem

noun

self-es·​teem ˌself-ə-ˈstēm 

1

: a confidence and satisfaction in oneself : self-respect

2

: self-conceit

Synonyms of self-esteem

• pride
• pridefulness
• confidence
• ego
• 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

For example, positive motivations for trying to improve your personal appearance could be a desire to boost your self-esteem or feel more open to connecting with those around you. — Jennifer Donnelly, Scientific American, 30 Aug. 2026

For those who have not been identified, negative feedback from adults and peers can further depress self-esteem. — Los Angeles Times, 26 Aug. 2026

The settlement also requires limits on features that some experts believe are detrimental to teenagers’ self-esteem and self-image. — Kaitlyn Tiffany, The Atlantic, 26 Aug. 2026

Research supports that navigating new places and meeting new people can contribute to positive emotions and higher self-esteem. — Kathleen Wong, USA Today, 23 Aug. 2026

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