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 appearance of your skin may cause feelings of shame and decreased self-esteem. Wendy Wisner, Health, 28 Dec. 2024 Whereas someone who experienced childhood neglect may grow up with low self-esteem and act this out through money behaviors. Sawdah Bhaimiya, CNBC, 27 Dec. 2024 This may not be a self-esteem issue or stubbornness. R. Eric Thomas, The Mercury News, 27 Dec. 2024 In fact, one study published in the journal Psychology in the Schools concluded that children who regularly see photos of themselves have higher self-esteem than those who don't. Andy Biggs, Newsweek, 24 Dec. 2024 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

Dictionary Entries Near self-esteem

Cite this Entry

“Self-esteem.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/self-esteem. Accessed 3 Jan. 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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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