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
Maddie is talented, warm, funny and kind but also anxious, plagued with low self-esteem cultivated by a traumatic childhood.
—
Jourdain Searles, HollywoodReporter, 7 Sep. 2025
Yet the satisfaction of the experience seemed deeper than a self-esteem boost.
—Jordan Michelman, The Atlantic, 4 Sep. 2025
As Mars and Jupiter clash, don’t place your self-esteem in another’s hands.
—Usa Today, USA Today, 4 Sep. 2025
Researchers found that couples with higher behavioral affirmation have greater relationship satisfaction, in addition to better personal well-being, as their life satisfaction and self-esteem rise.
—Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 31 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for self-esteem
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.
Jourdain Searles, HollywoodReporter, 7 Sep. 2025
Yet the satisfaction of the experience seemed deeper than a self-esteem boost.
—Jordan Michelman, The Atlantic, 4 Sep. 2025
As Mars and Jupiter clash, don’t place your self-esteem in another’s hands.
—Usa Today, USA Today, 4 Sep. 2025
Researchers found that couples with higher behavioral affirmation have greater relationship satisfaction, in addition to better personal well-being, as their life satisfaction and self-esteem rise.
—Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 31 Aug. 2025
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 9 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share