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.
The good news is that once Mercury stations direct on Aug. 11, any fog around money or self-esteem starts to clear. Valerie Mesa, People.com, 22 July 2025 Leo season brings a radiant boost to your self-esteem. Usa Today, USA Today, 22 July 2025 The findings showed that SEL produced students with improved social and emotional skills, more positive attitudes and behaviors, as well as higher self-esteem, perseverance, and optimism. Eric Wood, Forbes.com, 21 July 2025 Study 3, which involved 403 US participants, expanded on the previous study by adding green vs. gray landscape ratings, measures of temporal distance (that is, how long ago the visit happened), and additional psychological benefits of self-continuity, self-esteem, and authenticity. New Atlas, 20 July 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

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Cite this Entry

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

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