self-esteem

noun

self-es·​teem ˌself-ə-ˈstēm How to pronounce self-esteem (audio)
1
: a confidence and satisfaction in oneself : self-respect
2

Examples of self-esteem in a Sentence

friends and family have tried to help the shy child develop some self-esteem his towering self-esteem made praise from other people entirely unnecessary the kind of self-esteem that a struggling actor needs to keep going in the face of constant discouragement and rejection
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.
This industry can be pretty gnarly on your self-esteem. Keaton Bell, Vogue, 11 Oct. 2025 There’s also a reflection activity for kids to build self-esteem. Brittany Talarico, PEOPLE, 10 Oct. 2025 This is good for the bakers’ self-esteem, but probably not great television. Brian Moylan, Vulture, 10 Oct. 2025 Bushman found that sense of victimization is unique to American culture and the current generation’s addiction to media, while seeing little connection to low self-esteem in the attackers. John Scott Lewinski, The Washington Examiner, 10 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for self-esteem

Word History

First Known Use

1619, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of self-esteem was in 1619

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Self-esteem.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/self-esteem. Accessed 19 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

self-esteem

noun
self-es·​teem
ˌsel-fə-ˈstēm
1
: a confidence and satisfaction in oneself : self-respect
2
: an exaggerated opinion of one's own abilities : self-conceit

More from Merriam-Webster on self-esteem

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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