self-awareness

noun

self-aware·​ness ˌself-ə-ˈwer-nəs How to pronounce self-awareness (audio)
: an awareness of one's own personality or individuality

Examples of self-awareness in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Clueless about comedy, wildly misinformed about his own showbiz importance, Hank (Jeffrey Tambor) was an Ed McMahon without the charm or self-awareness. Ew Staff Updated, EW.com, 6 Mar. 2024 While the hosts get all the attention, the writers do work that is less understood and equally tricky, requiring skill, self-awareness and even diplomacy. Jason Zinoman, New York Times, 4 Mar. 2024 For example, humility, self-awareness, self-control, moral sensitivity, social skills, emotional intelligence, kindness, a prosocial and moral orientation, are all more likely to be found in women than men. Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic, Forbes, 1 Mar. 2024 Like Roberts, Prior has noted Glasnow’s physical self-awareness, highlighting how in tune the lanky 6-foot-8 hurler is with his body and his mechanics. Jack Harris, Los Angeles Times, 24 Feb. 2024 Contributor Among thought leaders and motivational speakers, Natasha Graziano exemplifies perseverance, self-awareness, and steadfast resolve. Svetlana Khachiyan, USA TODAY, 22 Feb. 2024 But the Panthers legend had the self-awareness, even in his early 20s, to know a budding basketball career wasn’t worth stunting the potential of an extraordinary football journey. Mike Kaye, Charlotte Observer, 14 Feb. 2024 Which sounds tragic, but there’s hope in her self-awareness, agency in her imperfections and comfort in this one timeless truth about love: When all else fails, there’s pie. Washington Post Staff, Washington Post, 13 Feb. 2024 There is no such thing as a perfect parent Current business owners and their self-awareness are the most vital part of ownership transitions. Jarred Knecht, Forbes, 12 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'self-awareness.' 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

1876, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of self-awareness was in 1876

Dictionary Entries Near self-awareness

Cite this Entry

“Self-awareness.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/self-awareness. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

self-awareness

noun
self-aware·​ness
ˌsel-fə-ˈwa(ə)r-nəs,
-ˈwe(ə)r-
: an awareness of one's own personality or individuality

Medical Definition

self-awareness

noun
self-aware·​ness
: an awareness of one's own personality or individuality

More from Merriam-Webster on self-awareness

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