self-confidence

noun

self-con·​fi·​dence ˌself-ˈkän-fə-dən(t)s 

-ˌden(t)s

: confidence in oneself and in one's powers and abilities

self-confident

ˌself-ˈkän-fə-dənt 

-ˌdent

adjective

self-confidently adverb

Synonyms of self-confidence

• confidence
• assurance
• self-assurance
• composure

Examples of self-confidence in a Sentence

for so young a pianist, he has remarkable composure and self-confidence on stage

Recent Examples on the Web

Tormented by her own fears, doubted by her father’s peers, and infantilized by her older sister, Catherine (Ayo Edebiri in her Broadway debut) walks the line between self-confidence and deep distrust. —Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 17 Apr. 2026

On Friday, June 7, the actress appeared on an episode of Today with Hoda & Jenna and opened up about how becoming a mother to her daughter has affected her self-confidence. —Kayla Grant, PEOPLE, 14 Apr. 2026

From cooking classes to job readiness, participants gain self-confidence and independence. —Sharon Chin, CBS News, 8 Apr. 2026

For business leaders, Townshend’s decision to trust his own voice is the kind of self-confidence that defines the most successful leaders. —Paul Fitzgerald, Rolling Stone, 3 Apr. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1604, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for self-confidence

• confidence
• overconfidence

Kids Definition

self-confidence

noun

self-con·​fi·​dence

ˈself-ˈkän-fəd-ən(t)s, 

-fə-ˌden(t)s

: confidence in oneself and in one's powers and abilities

self-confident

-fəd-ənt, 

-fə-ˌdent

adjective

self-confidently adverb