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

Being a chameleon as a musician is one thing — Cyrus always had a great voice — but her ongoing identity crisis and need to act out came to define what was otherwise a productive and interesting time. —Fran Hoepfner, Vulture, 20 Feb. 2025

The risky hire backfired on a program that remains stuck in an identity crisis of their own creation. —Mac Engel, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 19 Feb. 2025

Read the full Aries Daily Horoscope Taurus (April 20 - May 20) Yesterday’s business breakthrough turning into today’s identity crisis? —USA TODAY, 10 Feb. 2025

Those circumstances soon give rise to an identity crisis that reflects Ricky’s stunted adolescence. —Matthew Creith, IndieWire, 27 Jan. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1941, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for identity crisis

• ecdysis
• haemoptysis
• hemoptysis
• lysis
• phthisis

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