self-esteem

noun

self-es·​teem ˌself-ə-ˈstēm How to pronounce self-esteem (audio)
Synonyms of self-esteemnext
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
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While in Charlotte, Sinclair also helped launch and facilitate a weekly self-esteem project called SMART Girls with Boys & Girls Club of America . CBS News, 16 Mar. 2026 It's characterized by trust, resilience, high self-esteem, and comfort with intimacy. Christin Perry, Parents, 12 Mar. 2026 Diaz said parents should be aware of what children are learning from brand messaging, what kids are picking up by using beauty products, and promote healthy self-esteem values overall. ABC News, 10 Mar. 2026 In fact, girls with ADHD are significantly more likely to internalize their symptoms as character flaws rather than neurological differences, which leads to higher rates of anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem than their male counterparts. Sarah Oreck, SELF, 2 Mar. 2026 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 20 Mar. 2026.

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

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