self-conscious

adjective

self-con·​scious ˌself-ˈkän(t)-shəs 

1

a

: conscious of one's own acts or states as belonging to or originating in oneself : aware of oneself as an individual

b

: intensely aware of oneself : conscious

a rising and self-conscious social class

also : produced or done with such awareness

self-conscious art

2

: uncomfortably conscious of oneself as an object of the observation of others : ill at ease

self-consciously adverb

self-consciousness noun

Examples of self-conscious in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Bibhu Mohapatra and Alexandra O’Neill would agree, finding off-the-shoulder dresses to be the perfect compromise for women who love to show off their collarbone, but are self-conscious of their upper-arms. —Ari Stark, Footwear News, 17 Feb. 2026

Like their future disciples in PC Music, Scritti Politti were giddy pop fans who approached the form as self-conscious outsiders, foregrounding its artificiality, pushing its bright colors to new extremes, aiming to make great pop records that also asked probing questions about what pop even is. —Andy Cush, Pitchfork, 15 Feb. 2026

Early on, the series establishes that Hall’s character is self-conscious about the size of her breasts and has considered getting implants. —Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 4 Feb. 2026

Avoid self-conscious stumbles by picking your confidant carefully. —Tarot.com, The Orlando Sentinel, 4 Feb. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1632, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for self-conscious

• conscious
• preconscious
• subconscious
• unconscious

Kids Definition

self-conscious

adjective

self-con·​scious

ˈself-ˈkän-chəs

: uncomfortably conscious of oneself as an object of the observation of others

self-consciously adverb

self-consciousness noun