self-esteem
noun
self-es·teem
ˌself-ə-ˈstēm 
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
There are studies showing that use of the platforms is correlated to depression, low self-esteem and bullying.
—
Erwin Chemerinsky, Mercury News, 18 Feb. 2026
The dynamic can instill high self-esteem, foster maturity, and enable a child to develop a strong identity.
—Cynthia Hanson, Parents, 17 Feb. 2026
Jackson traveled the country preaching self-esteem and self-discipline.
—Johanna Neuman, Los Angeles Times, 17 Feb. 2026
Feeling stigmatized can quietly erode self-esteem, increase anxiety and change how people behave in everyday settings.
—Emily Tanner, The Conversation, 10 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for self-esteem
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Erwin Chemerinsky, Mercury News, 18 Feb. 2026
The dynamic can instill high self-esteem, foster maturity, and enable a child to develop a strong identity.
—Cynthia Hanson, Parents, 17 Feb. 2026
Jackson traveled the country preaching self-esteem and self-discipline.
—Johanna Neuman, Los Angeles Times, 17 Feb. 2026
Feeling stigmatized can quietly erode self-esteem, increase anxiety and change how people behave in everyday settings.
—Emily Tanner, The Conversation, 10 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for self-esteem
Cite this Entry
“Self-esteem.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/self-esteem. Accessed 19 Feb. 2026.
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