identity crisis
Americannoun
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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.
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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
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
But in the week I just spent in Britain it wasn’t the only sign of a national identity crisis.
From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 16, 2026
As for what to do now, some observations: First, flat isn’t so bad for a stock index having an identity crisis.
From Barron's • Feb. 20, 2026
Struggling with depression, an identity crisis and unresolved childhood wounds, he retreated to a bedroom in a rented New Jersey house to confront it all.
From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 28, 2025
The album began at a low point in Minus’ life, where she seems to be going through an identity crisis.
From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 23, 2025
Spring has decided to go through an identity crisis and get chilly on me.
From "The Hate U Give" by Angie Thomas
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
