self-concept

noun

self-con·​cept ˈself-ˈkän-ˌsept How to pronounce self-concept (audio)
: the mental image one has of oneself

Examples of self-concept in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Your reputation and self-concept are on the mend this month. Meghan Rose, Glamour, 1 Oct. 2025 Now, on September 29th, the First Quarter Moon rises in your sign, illuminating your identity, self-concept, and leadership style. Dossé-Via Trenou, Refinery29, 29 Sep. 2025 Now her work focuses on how clothing shapes emotional well-being, self-concept, and resilience. Virgie Tovar, Forbes.com, 12 July 2025 Ultimately, McKibben seems unable to imagine an alternative way for modern, secular life to have meaning that is not grounded in a self-concept of hyper-individuality and the false belief that technology does not already mediate every aspect of our existence. Literary Hub, 26 June 2025 The first-of-its-kind study surveyed 15,000 adults from around the world to establish an industry-first connection between our outward appearance, inner self-concept, and overall well-being. Newsweek Staff, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 June 2025 For instance, a 2019 study published in Personal Relationships shows that self-concept clarity — having a strong and stable sense of self — directly predicts greater relationship satisfaction for both partners. Mark Travers, Forbes, 20 Mar. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1891, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of self-concept was in 1891

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Cite this Entry

“Self-concept.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/self-concept. Accessed 8 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

self-concept

noun
self-con·​cept
ˈself-ˈkän-ˌsept
: the mental image one has of oneself

Medical Definition

self-concept

noun
self-con·​cept ˈself-ˈkän-ˌsept How to pronounce self-concept (audio)
: the mental image one has of oneself

More from Merriam-Webster on self-concept

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