self-conscious
adjective
self-con·scious
ˌself-ˈkän(t)-shəs 
1
a
: conscious of one's own acts or states as belonging to or originating in oneself : aware of oneself as an individual
b
: intensely aware of oneself : conscious
a rising and self-conscious social class
also
: produced or done with such awareness
self-conscious art
2
: uncomfortably conscious of oneself as an object of the observation of others : ill at ease
self-consciously
adverb
self-consciousness
noun
Examples of self-conscious in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
When a young Parton felt self-conscious about her homemade clothes, her mother would remind her of the Biblical story of Joseph and his coat of many colors.
—
Angela Andaloro, PEOPLE, 21 Jan. 2026
The book presents itself as a comic take on the classic adultery novel and a send-up of a narrow, self-conscious group of downwardly mobile New Yorkers.
—Literary Hub, 8 Jan. 2026
Others, however, may feel self-conscious, overwhelmed by the sensory overload – all the textures, commotion and bright colors, not to mention people staring at them.
—Angela J. Narayan, The Conversation, 19 Dec. 2025
Some children may feel self-conscious about their choice, while others instantly embrace their new look.
—Matthew Kayser, Ascend Agency, 19 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for self-conscious
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Angela Andaloro, PEOPLE, 21 Jan. 2026
The book presents itself as a comic take on the classic adultery novel and a send-up of a narrow, self-conscious group of downwardly mobile New Yorkers.
—Literary Hub, 8 Jan. 2026
Others, however, may feel self-conscious, overwhelmed by the sensory overload – all the textures, commotion and bright colors, not to mention people staring at them.
—Angela J. Narayan, The Conversation, 19 Dec. 2025
Some children may feel self-conscious about their choice, while others instantly embrace their new look.
—Matthew Kayser, Ascend Agency, 19 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for self-conscious
Cite this Entry
“Self-conscious.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/self-conscious. Accessed 23 Jan. 2026.
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