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

Overcoming these difficulties notably increases satisfaction and self-esteem. — Tracy Brower, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2026

All that representation went a long way toward affirming my self-esteem. — Literary Hub, 7 Aug. 2026

In a personal essay for Teen Vogue published in 2015, Tallulah shared how public scrutiny and online shaming led her to develop issues with self-esteem and substance abuse. — Bailey Bujnosek, InStyle, 6 Aug. 2026

That’s good, because healthy friendships can make kids happier, improve their self-esteem and resilience, and protect against loneliness and depression. — Kara Alaimo, CNN Money, 4 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