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

For Beer, being on the road tends to be great for her own self-confidence and mental health. —Brittany Spanos, Rolling Stone, 14 Nov. 2025

This new therapist asks a bunch of questions, and Jessi confesses that her core belief is not being good enough, and being with Jordan perpetuated that until her self-confidence was gone. —Olivia Crandall, Vulture, 13 Nov. 2025

Coaching successfully in such conditions requires a mixture of humility and self-confidence, as well as a certain cunning. —Dermot Corrigan, New York Times, 31 Oct. 2025

For creatives and business women alike, looking the part can be the key to not only self-confidence but also self-actualization. —Brianna J. Heath, Essence, 27 Oct. 2025

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