identity crisis

noun

1

: personal psychosocial conflict especially in adolescence that involves confusion about one's social role and often a sense of loss of continuity to one's personality

2

: a state of confusion in an institution or organization regarding its nature or direction

Examples of identity crisis in a Sentence

He is suffering from an identity crisis.

Recent Examples on the Web

But in 2019, Caesar hit a public roadblock that slowed his momentum and led him into an identity crisis. —Richard Trapunski, Billboard, 24 July 2025

There’s a lot of talk about the future of Arizona’s Democratic Party, which is experiencing something of an identity crisis. —Joanna Allhands, AZCentral.com, 15 July 2025

Hargitay had an identity crisis over the revelation. —Brie Stimson, FOXNews.com, 28 June 2025

Vogue And The Impossible Job Description For all of Vogue’s financial resilience, Wintour’s descendant must still confront a brand facing an identity crisis. —Lilian Raji, Forbes.com, 19 July 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1941, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for identity crisis

• ecdysis
• haemoptysis
• hemoptysis
• lysis
• phthisis

Medical Definition

identity crisis

noun

: personal psychosocial conflict especially in adolescence that involves confusion about one's social role and often a sense of loss of continuity to one's personality