SINCE 1828
identity crisis
nounDefinition of identity crisis
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
As trade schools’ bottom-line ethic is being applauded, many four-year institutions are, perhaps not coincidentally, struggling with an economic and identity crisis. — Chuck Thompson, Popular Mechanics, "The State of American Trade Schools," 13 Mar. 2019 This is not so much an identity crisis as an exploration of purpose: What, in 2018, is the grocery store for? — Rachel Sugar, Vox, "With a superbarket, shopping isn’t a chore; it’s an experience.," 30 Nov. 2018 There were some eye-opening comments after the loss to Tottenham, highlighting the identity crisis that might be enveloping United. — Steve Douglas, The Seattle Times, "Worrying signs for Man United as Mourinho loses cool," 28 Aug. 2018 All concern staidly settled characters who suffer identity crises and worse upon leaving their socio-economic comfort zones. — New York Times, "The Late, Late Show With Martin Scorsese," 9 May 2018 Thematically, Susie’s identity crisis parallels with Sabrina’s oscillation between witch and mortal. — Danielle Corcione, Teen Vogue, ""Chilling Adventures of Sabrina" Star Lachlan Watson on Non-Binary Identity and Telling a Bit of Their Own Story Through Susie Putnam," 29 Oct. 2018 Denver has had something of an identity crisis for some time now. — Todd Plummer, Vogue, "Denver’s Coolest Bars, Restaurants, and Shops Are All in This One Neighborhood," 6 Nov. 2018 But make no mistake: The party’s identity crisis will be front and center after November, especially if Nancy Pelosi steps down or gets dislodged as the leader of House Democrats. — James Hohmann, Washington Post, "The Daily 202: Crowley going down spotlights the looming Democratic identity crisis," 27 June 2018 Paris 7th's identity crisis continues, but not on the plate. — Bud Kennedy, star-telegram, "Fine dining without the price: Two deals you won't want to miss | Fort Worth Star-Telegram," 9 Apr. 2018These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'identity crisis.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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