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

Photography subjects can be self-conscious, but, for the most part, the subjects of Nishimura’s portfolio weren’t. — Katy Waldman, New Yorker, 24 July 2026

The emotional discomfort is a result of feeling self-conscious about the appearance, and the physical is typically the result of excess tissue that's more susceptible to everyday irritation. — Anonymous, Allure, 23 July 2026

Why a customizable medical sensor could matter Medical wearables can make some people feel self-conscious. — Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 21 July 2026

Overstuffed with ideas, some of the decisions feel too self-conscious (and almost self-parodying) for the band’s own good. — David Harris, SPIN, 21 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1632, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for self-conscious

• conscious
• preconscious
• subconscious
• unconscious

Kids Definition

self-conscious

adjective

self-con·​scious

ˈself-ˈkän-chəs

: uncomfortably conscious of oneself as an object of the observation of others

self-consciously adverb

self-consciousness noun