self-esteem

noun

self-es·​teem ˌself-ə-ˈstēm 

1

: a confidence and satisfaction in oneself : self-respect

2

: self-conceit

Synonyms

• ego
• pride
• pridefulness
• self-regard
• self-respect

Examples of self-esteem in a Sentence

friends and family have tried to help the shy child develop some self-esteem

his towering self-esteem made praise from other people entirely unnecessary

the kind of self-esteem that a struggling actor needs to keep going in the face of constant discouragement and rejection

Recent Examples on the Web

These students also reported lower academic performance, quality of life, and self-esteem, and stated that their daily lying negatively impacted their friends and living domains. —Eric Wood, Forbes.com, 15 June 2025

This can cause emotional distress, low self-esteem, and irritability. —Sherri Gordon, Health, 11 June 2025

In general, people who struggle with low self-esteem or didn’t grow up feeling emotionally secure end up craving external validation and reassurance from others. —Jenna Ryu, SELF, 11 June 2025

Researchers found strong evidence linking higher screen use to a range of socio-emotional problems, including anxiety, depression, aggression and low self-esteem. —Lydia Patrick, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 June 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1619, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for self-esteem

• academe
• cherubim
• elohim
• episteme
• seraphim
• abeam
• airstream
• bloodstream
• daydream
• downstream
• esteem
• extreme

Kids Definition

self-esteem

noun

self-es·​teem

ˌsel-fə-ˈstēm

1

: a confidence and satisfaction in oneself : self-respect

2

: an exaggerated opinion of one's own abilities : self-conceit