self-doubt

noun

plural self-doubts
Synonyms of self-doubtnext
: a lack of faith in oneself : a feeling of doubt or uncertainty about one's abilities, actions, etc.
plagued with/by self-doubt
overcame her self-doubts
The man who comes through the pages of this straightforwardly written autobiography is eminently human, full of self-doubt about his personal life and his career …Walter Goodman

Examples of self-doubt in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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With the help of journalist Gerrick Kennedy, the memoir details Brandy's meteoric rise to fame as a young teen while volleying ambition, exhaustion and self-doubt, moving through a predatory and tormenting industry and being misunderstood in the public eye. Taijuan Moorman, USA Today, 31 Mar. 2026 When working in that vein, Barnett’s journeys through self-doubt are well-matched with the stomping, meat-and-potatoes indie-rock production that Burke Reid and Dan Luscombe brought to her first two albums. Ethan Beck, Pitchfork, 27 Mar. 2026 Forced into bravery alone in space, there’s no time or space for self-doubt, only action. Katie Walsh, Twin Cities, 21 Mar. 2026 Forced into bravery alone in space, there’s no time or space for self-doubt, only action. Katie Walsh, Boston Herald, 19 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for self-doubt

Word History

First Known Use

1847, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of self-doubt was in 1847

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Cite this Entry

“Self-doubt.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/self-doubt. Accessed 4 Apr. 2026.

Kids Definition

self-doubt

noun
ˈself-ˈdau̇t
: a lack of faith in oneself
self-doubting
-iŋ
adjective

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