self-confidence
Americannoun
-
realistic confidence in one's own judgment, ability, power, etc.
- Synonyms:
- poise, self-respect, self-possession, assurance
-
excessive or inflated confidence in one's own judgment, ability, etc.
- Synonyms:
- self-esteem, conceit
noun
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of self-confidence
First recorded in 1630–40
Explanation
Self-confidence is a characteristic of believing firmly in your own abilities and strengths. It took a lot of self-confidence to speak up in that student council meeting and say what you were thinking! If you have no doubt that you'll be able to perform your new song at the school talent show, you've got self-confidence. We've been using this noun since the 17th century for a particular type of confidence that's focused on individual strength and the absence of self-doubt. Your self-confidence is what allows you to do things confidently, assuredly, and with conviction.
Vocabulary lists containing self-confidence
Twins
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"With Friends Like These..." by Dorothy Rowe
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Vocabulary Review, Unit 3
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
One new program with $4.9 million of competitive funding available to groups to develop “civilizational self-confidence in Europe” is slated for “research, conferences, cultural engagements, and support for civil society” in wealthy democracies.
From Salon ● Jul. 21, 2026
The increased contact also helped improve “their self-confidence and family equality and decreased their loneliness.”
From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 19, 2026
A struggle with self-confidence is reframed as an “identity” issue.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 12, 2026
"Just go in with self-confidence; you'll be solid."
From Barron's ● Jun. 7, 2026
I also had features in women’s publications like Glamour, Refinery29, and Allure, where I was able to talk about my own self-confidence and beauty ideals.
From "Proud" by Ibtihaj Muhammad
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
