self-awareness

noun

self-aware·​ness ˌself-ə-ˈwer-nəs 

: an awareness of one's own personality or individuality

Examples of self-awareness in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

While patience is common, true leadership improvement stems from self-awareness and a genuine willingness to learn from mistakes, not just good intentions. — Benjamin Laker, Forbes.com, 31 July 2026

For all the movie’s self-awareness, it’s filled with tenderness and humor. — Richard Brody, New Yorker, 31 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1876, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for self-awareness

• awareness
• unfairness
• bareness
• fairness
• squareness
• unawareness

Kids Definition

self-awareness

noun

self-aware·​ness

ˌsel-fə-ˈwa(ə)r-nəs, 

-ˈwe(ə)r-

: an awareness of one's own personality or individuality

Medical Definition

self-awareness

noun

self-aware·​ness

: an awareness of one's own personality or individuality