self-doubt

noun

plural self-doubts
: 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
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.
While feedback, openness to questions and acknowledgment of effort help to adapt, a dismissive environment can instill self-doubt before the employee even has a chance to perform. Naira Velumyan, Forbes.com, 17 June 2025 The production — directed and choreographed by Jennifer Werner — stands on the shoulders of a strong cast, led by Sam McLellan as Elder Price, the strait-laced, big brother type who’s on a mission to fulfill his, well, mission but is derailed by self-doubt and religious questioning. Michael James Rocha, San Diego Union-Tribune, 12 June 2025 Social media, in particular, is driven by the immense pressure for users to paint a picture of their lives that impresses, leads to self-doubt and eventual loss of hope. Matthew Kayser, USA Today, 5 June 2025 Don’t let perfectionism or self-doubt keep your story on the shelf. Adrian Gostick, Forbes.com, 4 June 2025 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 25 Jun. 2025.

Kids Definition

self-doubt

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

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