self-esteem

noun

self-es·​teem ˌself-ə-ˈstēm How to pronounce self-esteem (audio)
Synonyms of self-esteemnext
1
: a confidence and satisfaction in oneself : self-respect
2

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
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Guests choose a gua sha to accompany their treatment based on their goals for the treatment—rose quartz for love and self-esteem, blue sodalite for peace and harmony, or green aventurine for luck and new opportunities. Caitlin Gunther, Condé Nast Traveler, 12 Jan. 2026 Nurture your child's self-esteem. Sarah Vanbuskirk, Parents, 10 Jan. 2026 But psychological traits such as neuroticism, low self-esteem, anxiety and depression also increase risk. Madeline Holcombe, CNN Money, 9 Jan. 2026 About five to eight schools receive the laundry machines each year in a program begun by Enchanted Backpack recently after principals and teachers suggested the donation would decrease absenteeism and boost student self-esteem. Carole Carlson, Chicago Tribune, 9 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for self-esteem

Word History

First Known Use

1619, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of self-esteem was in 1619

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Cite this Entry

“Self-esteem.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/self-esteem. Accessed 14 Jan. 2026.

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

More from Merriam-Webster on self-esteem

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