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

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.

Example Sentences

The statue is as much a monument to Jones’ self-confidence and refusal to quit as it is to his stellar playing career.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 21, 2026

As his first season progressed, Nelson leaned on the color analysts he worked with like Eric Karros, and the rest of the SportsNet LA crew to help restore some self-confidence.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 23, 2026

"It boosted my self-confidence, my health, and I became more willing to learn new things, to take on new challenges."

From Barron's • Feb. 16, 2026

The review is clear about how Europe can regain its "self-confidence".

From BBC • Jan. 9, 2026

Pierced by every word that was spoken, the tight balloon of Bernard’s happy self-confidence was leaking from a thousand wounds.

From "Brave New World" by Aldous Huxley

Related Words

• self-assurance