identity crisis

noun

1

: personal psychosocial conflict especially in adolescence that involves confusion about one's social role and often a sense of loss of continuity to one's personality

2

: a state of confusion in an institution or organization regarding its nature or direction

Examples of identity crisis in a Sentence

He is suffering from an identity crisis.

Recent Examples on the Web

If the original ’90s shoegaze was the scene that celebrated itself, hyperpop is the scene that denies its own existence, perpetually locked in an identity crisis like a passive-aggressive teen. —Kieran Press-Reynolds, Pitchfork, 3 Oct. 2024

The Sundance Film Festival is currently in the midst of an identity crisis. —Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 12 Sep. 2024

The brand’s seemingly sudden lean towards eclectic designs could be dubbed an identity crisis. —Kristen Philipkoski, Forbes, 31 Oct. 2024

His arc in the movie depicts him having an identity crisis and going around asking the cast and crew what his purpose on the show is. —Rebecca Aizin, People.com, 12 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1941, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Medical Definition

identity crisis

noun

: personal psychosocial conflict especially in adolescence that involves confusion about one's social role and often a sense of loss of continuity to one's personality