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 entity, institution, or organization regarding its nature or direction

England is the last place on earth one would expect to find a national identity crisis, yet … the English are now asking, "What is my nation?"

—Wilson Quarterly

Examples of identity crisis in a Sentence

He is suffering from an identity crisis.

Recent Examples on the Web

Spotify Wrapped and identity crises already go hand in hand. —Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 3 Dec. 2025

The Florida Panthers are dealing with a bit of an identity crisis. —Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 30 Nov. 2025

My uncontrollable emotions and my identity crisis also hindered me from being able to enjoy the time with my kids. —Simone Sauter, Parents, 29 Nov. 2025

Throughout The Chair Company, Ron’s need for approval yields something of an identity crisis. —Shirley Li, The Atlantic, 28 Nov. 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