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

All of this feeds into a broader identity crisis, with supporters yearning for a return to the early Abramovich era, but experiencing similar managerial turnover under the American ownership - without the same consistent success.

From BBC • May 16, 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

He now finds himself facing a daunting new challenge: Helming one of the country’s top law firms in its throes of an identity crisis.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 6, 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

Spring has decided to go through an identity crisis and get chilly on me.

From "The Hate U Give" by Angie Thomas