self-conscious

adjective

self-con·​scious ˌself-ˈkän(t)-shəs 

1

a

: conscious of one's own acts or states as belonging to or originating in oneself : aware of oneself as an individual

b

: intensely aware of oneself : conscious

a rising and self-conscious social class

also : produced or done with such awareness

self-conscious art

2

: uncomfortably conscious of oneself as an object of the observation of others : ill at ease

self-consciously adverb

self-consciousness noun

Examples of self-conscious in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Laurie is hurt and self-conscious that Valentin chose the glamorous Jaclyn, while Jaclyn’s desire to party and hook up seems to have been driven by hurt over being ignored by her much-younger husband, Harrison, and wanting to be seen as young and hot. —Stephanie McNeal, Glamour, 24 Mar. 2025

The atmosphere of such events always reminds me of being on a high-school field trip—everyone out of context, a bit giggly, maybe showing off, and definitely self-conscious about his or her outfit. —Rebecca Mead, The New Yorker, 18 Mar. 2025

No need to feel self-conscious about mixups as AI drives the conversation. —New Atlas, 17 Mar. 2025

Even if that reason is simply to make life a little more convenient or to feel a little less self-conscious. —Nicola Dall'asen, Allure, 12 Mar. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1632, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for self-conscious

• conscious
• preconscious
• subconscious
• unconscious

Kids Definition

self-conscious

adjective

self-con·​scious

ˈself-ˈkän-chəs

: uncomfortably conscious of oneself as an object of the observation of others

self-consciously adverb

self-consciousness noun