self-doubt

American  

[self-dout] / ˈsɛlfˈdaʊt /

noun

1. lack of confidence in the reliability of one's own motives, personality, thought, etc.

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self-doubt British  

noun

1. the act or state of doubting oneself

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Other Word Forms

• self-doubting adjective

Etymology

Origin of self-doubt

First recorded in 1840–50

Example Sentences

Early on, I had enormous self-doubt, but I don’t think that is necessarily a bad thing.

From The Wall Street Journal

The only costumed characters are actors playing costumed characters; the only villains, apart from the bureaucracy that seeks to bring him in, are Simon’s own self-doubt and temper.

From Los Angeles Times

In 2021 she launched her "21 & Over" podcast, for "those who struggle with anxiety, self-doubt, mental health and creating identities in today's world".

From BBC

But the self-doubt keeps them sharp, he says.

From Los Angeles Times

He was a genius who said many stupid things; an arrogant man who was nonetheless full of self-doubt; a savage critic of others and an even harsher one of himself.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• uncertainty