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

What could be tested during this time are your ability to see reality over wishful thinking, self-confidence despite setbacks, feeling lovable even if someone doesn’t come through, showing up even if someone else doesn’t. —Tribune Content Agency, Baltimore Sun, 5 Feb. 2026

Cookie Fleck, O’Hara’s character in Best in Show, is an outstanding example of her comedic sensibility—a meld of physical comedy, deadpan affect, and delirious self-confidence—whose influence is all over the mock-interview segments of, say, Parks and Recreation. —Paula Mejía, The Atlantic, 4 Feb. 2026

Sabotages self-confidence and can lead to resentment and lower productivity. —Orianna Rosa Royle, Fortune, 1 Feb. 2026

Your self-confidence may take a hit when the Gemini moon battles Saturn. —Usa Today, USA Today, 29 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