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.
Research shows that the taste and aroma of foods related to family or friends, social gatherings, and celebrations are associated with feelings of contentment, belonging, and self-esteem. Allison Futterman, Discover Magazine, 15 Feb. 2025 When Ju-a unexpectedly breaks up with Si-jun on their seventh anniversary, the event sends him into a years-long depression, also driven by his floundering self-esteem as a musician. Kayti Burt, TIME, 14 Feb. 2025 Mark, who longs to give comfort, doesn’t have the self-esteem to protect himself from cruelty when it’s mixed up with the promise of connection. Charles McNulty, Los Angeles Times, 12 Feb. 2025 Our symptoms are classics: addictions, low self-esteem, attachment disorder, over/under achievement, introversion and loneliness, to name some. R. Eric Thomas, The Mercury News, 9 Feb. 2025 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 19 Feb. 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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