self-conscious

adjective

self-con·​scious ˌself-ˈkän(t)-shəs How to pronounce self-conscious (audio)
Synonyms of self-consciousnext
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
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Hearing her mother’s constant criticism and feeling self-conscious about her awkwardness in social situations, Mary is content to be a wallflower. Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 6 May 2026 As anachronisms constantly threaten to puncture the illusion, the cast stays wry, nimble and self-conscious in order to locate plot points and jokes that reinforce the golden-age radio setting, scribbling notes and introducing characters that propel them through ludicrous narrative arcs. John Wenzel, Denver Post, 23 Apr. 2026 Funny, un-self-conscious, inspired. Edward Segarra, USA Today, 15 Apr. 2026 However, some are cautious to laud the partnership out of fear of what has happened time and again with self-conscious users (who are primarily underage) on social media platforms. Catherina Gioino, Fortune, 31 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for self-conscious

Word History

First Known Use

1632, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of self-conscious was in 1632

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Cite this Entry

“Self-conscious.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/self-conscious. Accessed 7 May. 2026.

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

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