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.

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Etymology

Origin of identity crisis

First recorded in 1950–55

Example Sentences

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

Now she was also dealing with the strain and fatigue of the ice show schedule as well as an identity crisis.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 1, 2026

But even as it keeps printing money, the Big Ten has run into something of an identity crisis as the country’s richest conference.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 5, 2025

For a restaurant better known for cornbread and checkerboards than market volatility, the whole thing had the air of an identity crisis unfolding in real time.

From Salon • Aug. 22, 2025

My grandmother's identity crisis is fascinating and frightening at the same time, like a slasher movie you can't stop watching.

From "You Bring the Distant Near" by Mitali Perkins