self-confidence

American  

[self-kon-fi-duhns, self-] / ˌsɛlfˈkɒn fɪ dəns, ˈsɛlf- /

Also self-assurance

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

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self-confidence British  

noun

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

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Other Word Forms

• self-confident adjective
• self-confidently adverb

Etymology

Origin of self-confidence

First recorded in 1630–40

Example Sentences

"And for sure we want to improve, we want to be better in every area, with that sense as well of self-confidence and conviction that we are on the right path."

From Barron's • Jan. 30, 2026

He has been manifesting it for years through his self-confidence, hard work and leadership.

From BBC • Jan. 23, 2026

We regularly took our toddlers to the park so they could build self-confidence on the jungle gyms, and we took our teenagers to visit the city’s cultural attractions.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 19, 2025

He recently told Sports Illustrated, however, that his self-confidence should not be mistaken for arrogance.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 15, 2025

But with guidance, as they developed self-confidence and maturity, they moved on to other jobs, gravitating toward those that would suit their own interests and skills.

From "The Giver" by Lois Lowry

Related Words

• self-assurance