soul-searching

American  

[sohl-sur-ching] / ˈsoʊlˌsɜr tʃɪŋ /

noun

1. the act or process of close and penetrating analysis of oneself, to determine one's true motives and sentiments.

---

soul-searching British  

noun

1. deep or critical examination of one's motives, actions, beliefs, etc

---

adjective

1. displaying the characteristics of deep or painful self-analysis

Etymology

Origin of soul-searching

First recorded in 1605–15

Example Sentences

There will likely have been some soul-searching and in-depth analysis in the past days as a consequence.

From BBC

After your friend has sold the car, he has some soul-searching to do.

From MarketWatch

When one loses, it leads to some deep soul-searching and a focus on what can be improved - particularly when they next meet each other.

From BBC

Newcastle's dismal 3-1 defeat at lowly West Ham on Sunday left the Magpies languishing in 13th place in the Premier League and prompted a painful bout of soul-searching on Tyneside.

From Barron's

Less apology than explanation, and less explanation than soul-searching screed, this novel has a huge voice, a woman’s attempt to create meaning from the depths of family trauma.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• contemplation
• reflection
• rumination
• self-examination