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

Has little people skills, lacks self-awareness and can sometimes exhibit erratic behavior. — Armando Salguero Outkick, FOXNews.com, 13 Oct. 2026

What readers are saying The conversation explores the personal journey of the author in managing OCD, with many participants expressing admiration for the author's self-awareness and bravery in seeking help. — Eva Jaber, Washington Post, 11 Oct. 2026

Inextricable to Long’s art, though, is a self-awareness and acerbic wit that elevates the narrative and reminds us that humor is integral to survival, too. — Literary Hub, 2 Oct. 2026

People are often poor judges of their own strengths in these areas, especially the harder-to-measure ones like self-awareness and communication. — Drew McLellan, Forbes.com, 2 Oct. 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