1
: uncomfortably nervous about or embarrassed by what other people think about you
She's self-conscious whenever she has to give a speech.
—often + aboutHe's very self-conscious about his appearance.
2
usually disapproving
: done in a way that shows an awareness of the effect that is produced : done in a deliberate way
the self-conscious irony in the play
a self-conscious attempt to win people's sympathy
Cite this Entry
“Self-conscious.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/self-conscious. Accessed 21 Jun. 2026.
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