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self-doubt

noun

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
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.
In Carney’s classroom, there is room for honest reflection but not self-doubt. Dan Robson, New York Times, 19 Nov. 2025 No matter what stage in life, a parent’s disapproving action or comment can send an adult child spiraling down a vortex of negative feelings and self-doubt. Lynda Lin Grigsby, Parents, 7 Nov. 2025 Through the most tumultuous years of their young lives — personally and globally — Kate and Frida show each other how to overcome self-doubt and embrace joy even through their darkest hours in the last precious years before the internet changed everything. Nora Dahlia, PEOPLE, 25 Oct. 2025 Never mind The Bear — meet the Boss, fighting the same demons and nagging feelings of self-doubt that would cause Carmy Berzatto to stoically nod in recognition. David Fear, Rolling Stone, 22 Oct. 2025 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

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Cite this Entry

“Self-doubt.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/self-doubt. Accessed 26 Nov. 2025.

Kids Definition

self-doubt

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

More from Merriam-Webster on self-doubt

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