self-doubt

noun

plural self-doubts
Synonyms of self-doubtnext
: a lack of faith in oneself : a feeling of doubt or uncertainty about one's abilities, actions, etc.
plagued with/by self-doubt
overcame her self-doubts
The man who comes through the pages of this straightforwardly written autobiography is eminently human, full of self-doubt about his personal life and his career …Walter Goodman

Examples of self-doubt in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Virgil Throckmorton has no self-doubt about his morality. Dan Heching, CNN Money, 20 Jan. 2026 Two such traits, being thin-skinned and suffering from an interior monologue of unending self-doubt, are often identified as negatives. Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 17 Jan. 2026 Over time, this creates chronic stress, self-doubt and emotional contraction. Rabbi Bruce D. Forman, Sun Sentinel, 13 Jan. 2026 Being overlooked triggers self-doubt today. Usa Today, USA Today, 11 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for self-doubt

Word History

First Known Use

1847, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of self-doubt was in 1847

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Self-doubt.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/self-doubt. Accessed 25 Jan. 2026.

Kids Definition

self-doubt

noun
ˈself-ˈdau̇t
: a lack of faith in oneself
self-doubting
-iŋ
adjective

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