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

The identity crisis affects children born to white fathers. —Desmond Tiro, Los Angeles Times, 1 Dec. 2024

However, excellence currently eludes them as the Yankees are struggling with an identity crisis. —Wayne G. McDonnell, Jr., Forbes, 28 Oct. 2024

For Kuch, her personal identity crisis was rooted in not having a sense of belonging and community because their family moved so many times before. —Athena Sobhan, People.com, 21 Oct. 2024

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

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