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

Sydney Sweeney revealed how a childhood insecurity that left her feeling self-conscious led to the launch of her lingerie brand. —Lauryn Overhultz, FOXNews.com, 13 Mar. 2026

Love Story, though a self-conscious departure from the other shows of the Murphyverse, employs a similar logic. —Megan Garber, The Atlantic, 9 Mar. 2026

Children are generally less self-conscious than adults and more willing to take risks when speaking. —Karen Stollznow, The Conversation, 26 Feb. 2026

Marcus Phillips spearheads a spot-on quintet of classmates, each bursting with self-conscious awkwardness and a desire to be seen and understood. —Rob Hubbard, Twin Cities, 25 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