self-conscious

adjective

self-con·​scious ˌself-ˈkän(t)-shəs 

1

a

: conscious of one's own acts or states as belonging to or originating in oneself : aware of oneself as an individual

b

: intensely aware of oneself : conscious

a rising and self-conscious social class

also : produced or done with such awareness

self-conscious art

2

: uncomfortably conscious of oneself as an object of the observation of others : ill at ease

self-consciously adverb

self-consciousness noun

Examples of self-conscious in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Each composition, cut, and camera move is expressive and carefully selected, and the lighting by cinematographer Ellen Kuras is beautiful without feeling self-conscious or showy. —Jim Hemphill, IndieWire, 10 June 2026

And somewhere in South End, a Patagonia vest just got a little self-conscious. —Evan Moore, Charlotte Observer, 9 June 2026

After a quick tour of the property and your pavilion, the young, slightly self-conscious staff leave you in blissful peace. —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 June 2026

About 32% of Gen Z feel self-conscious speaking only English abroad, compared with just 15% of those over 55. —Hanna Wickes, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 27 May 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1632, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for self-conscious

• conscious
• preconscious
• subconscious
• unconscious

Kids Definition

self-conscious

adjective

self-con·​scious

ˈself-ˈkän-chəs

: uncomfortably conscious of oneself as an object of the observation of others

self-consciously adverb

self-consciousness noun