self-esteem

noun

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

Examples of self-esteem in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Ralph said that racist comments, particularly about her appearance, did a number on her self-esteem. Jenna Ryu, SELF, 21 Mar. 2024 These small but daily digs wear down my self-esteem and self-worth. Sahaj Kaur Kohli, Washington Post, 21 Mar. 2024 His wish comes true and the body swap will present challenges and life lessons to both women, one a high-flying marketing executive and the other a domestic worker with low self-esteem. Anna Marie De La Fuente, Variety, 20 Mar. 2024 The movie also made people around the world feel a sense of acceptance by talking about mental health and self-esteem, all at the same time. Letters To The Editor, The Mercury News, 19 Mar. 2024 Toys with different skin tones and hair textures can positively impact the self-esteem and worth of little girls of color. Celeste Polanco, Essence, 15 Mar. 2024 Fake imagery causes real harm to reputations and self-esteem and shatters privacy. Christian F. Nunes, Fortune, 15 Mar. 2024 The program has had some success in preventing drug addiction and increasing self-awareness and self-esteem through cultural awareness. Frank Vaisvilas, Journal Sentinel, 11 Mar. 2024 Do not succumb to low self-esteem or desperate behavior because of your fluttering heart. Harriette Cole, The Mercury News, 9 Mar. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'self-esteem.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Dictionary Entries Near self-esteem

Cite this Entry

“Self-esteem.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/self-esteem. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.

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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