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

The silver lining is that those roots can bring strength, stamina and self-confidence. —Magi Helena, Dallas Morning News, 14 Jan. 2026

The silver lining is that those roots can bring strength, stamina, and self-confidence. —Tribune News Service, Baltimore Sun, 14 Jan. 2026

For fledgling photographer Kristian Pederson, the antidote to this schism is a cosmic dose—a Faustian dose—of self-confidence. —Literary Hub, 14 Jan. 2026

This reawakens your joy, passion and self-confidence, making your dating life feel fun again. —Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 7 Jan. 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