self-esteem

noun

self-es·​teem ˌself-ə-ˈstēm 

1

: a confidence and satisfaction in oneself : self-respect

2

: self-conceit

Synonyms of self-esteem

• pride
• pridefulness
• confidence
• ego
• self-respect

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

Research supports that navigating new places and meeting new people can contribute to positive emotions and higher self-esteem. — Kathleen Wong, USA Today, 23 Aug. 2026

But maturing onscreen — and the endless scrutiny that came with it — led to lifelong self-esteem issues, especially after she was cast as the superhero cheerleader Claire Bennett on Heroes at 17 in 2006. — Gillian Telling, PEOPLE, 18 Aug. 2026

But her comments and obvious disdain for me are not good for my self-esteem. — Jeanne Phillips, Mercury News, 16 Aug. 2026

However, parents, social workers and shrinks got involved, saying that designating the classes hurt the students’ feelings and self-esteem. — Voice Of The People, New York Daily News, 14 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1619, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for self-esteem

• academe
• cherubim
• elohim
• episteme
• seraphim
• abeam
• airstream
• bloodstream
• daydream
• downstream
• esteem
• extreme

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