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

Kids with behavioral needs benefit from improving their self-esteem and self-control. — Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 20 July 2026

Compliments can be especially challenging for people who struggle with self-esteem, says Xuan Zhao, a behavioral scientist. — Malaka Gharib, NPR, 18 July 2026

In my view, adopting strict time limits and restrictions could pose risks to children’s well-being, autonomy and development, for example, by harming adolescent self-esteem. — Gabriel E. Hales, The Conversation, 17 July 2026

As for Barroso, the mom-of-four aims to raise her children with self-esteem and compassion. — Emma Banks, InStyle, 17 July 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