identity crisis

American  

noun

1. a period or episode of psychological distress, often occurring in adolescence but sometimes in adulthood, when a person seeks a clearer sense of self and an acceptable role in society.

2. confusion as to goals and priorities.

   The company is undergoing an identity crisis.

---

Etymology

Origin of identity crisis

First recorded in 1950–55

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

identity crisis

"It's kind of made me almost have an identity crisis, you could say. It's not fair how I have gone away feeling and that's going to be with me forever."

From BBC ● Jul. 16, 2026

According to Rebecca Nagle, a citizen of Cherokee Nation, a writer and journalist, and the host of the new podcast First America, the Founding Fathers initially faced an identity crisis.

From Slate ● Jul. 3, 2026

Most Angelenos know Frank Gehry as the rebel architect whose deconstructivist buildings reinvigorated L.A. amid its late-century identity crisis.

From Los Angeles Times ● Apr. 17, 2026

Nike stock has hit a 12-year low, in part because of an identity crisis: Some investors say it has strayed too far from performance sneakers into fashion.

From Barron's ● Apr. 16, 2026

“You know me better than anyone. And if I am having an identity crisis, at least you can help me get a good song out of it.”

From "Amina's Song" by Hena Khan