self-doubt

noun

ˌself-ˈdau̇t 

plural self-doubts

: 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

Now in theaters across the country, this family-friendly movie highlights positive messaging like overcoming self-doubt, positive self-talk, working together, and helping others. — Lynnette Nicholas, Parents, 14 Aug. 2026

Shalhoub admitted that the pressure didn’t come from anyone else, and the self-doubt and fear of failure were all self-induced. — Vanessa Etienne, PEOPLE, 14 Aug. 2026

Riddick, who teaches as an adjunct professor while searching for a long-term role, says the process can fill even the most confident individuals with self-doubt. — Zulekha Nathoo, USA Today, 13 Aug. 2026

Summary The pervasive inner critic often sabotages career success by fostering self-doubt and imposter syndrome. — Bryan Robinson, Forbes.com, 12 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1847, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for self-doubt

• about
• bailout
• blackout
• blowout
• breakout
• burnout
• buyout
• checkout
• closeout
• cutout
• devout
• dropout

Kids Definition

self-doubt

noun

ˈself-ˈdau̇t

: a lack of faith in oneself

self-doubting

-iŋ

adjective