self-confidence

Also self-as·sur·ance

[self-kon-fi-duhns, self-]

noun

1. realistic confidence in one's own judgment, ability, power, etc.

   Synonyms: poise, self-respect, self-possession, assurance

2. excessive or inflated confidence in one's own judgment, ability, etc.

   Synonyms: self-esteem, conceit

self-confidence

noun

1. confidence in one's own powers, judgment, etc

Other Word Forms

• self-confident adjective
• self-confidently adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of self-confidence¹

First recorded in 1630–40

Example Sentences

Many people credit the at-home jabs with helping them quickly lose weight, but some are finding their self-confidence has been dented by how their arms, stomach, breasts and thighs now look.

From BBC

Maybe it’s because, unless you were born with a preternaturally unshakable self-confidence few of us can claim, there’s a touch of the underdog in all of us.

From Salon

Shopping became a coping mechanism for issues surrounding Alyce's self-confidence and esteem.

From BBC

She’s nimble because she thinks for herself, and her self-confidence draws other people towards her, making them trust her.

From Salon

Having just split from her boyfriend, Sophie - not her real name - admits she was feeling low and lacking self-confidence, so welcomed his attention.

From BBC

Related Words

• self-assurance