self-doubt

[self-dout]

noun

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

self-doubt

noun

1. the act or state of doubting oneself

Other Word Forms

• self-doubting adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of self-doubt¹

First recorded in 1840–50

Example Sentences

Disorientating on first listen, the aural chaos serves a purpose, as singer Ellie Rowsell confronts misogyny and self-doubt in the verses before rising above the noise for a bucolic chorus.

From BBC

Martin spoke about their poor start, their shortage of energy and courage, their tension and self-doubt.

From BBC

Agnes is riddled with self-doubt and apprehension, while being overcome by the fear of being coveted by a figure she can’t see.

From Salon

Credited as a songwriter on almost all of his solo songs, “Abyss,” a single released in 2020, delves into especially early feelings of self-doubt that are jarringly in contrast with his later confident demeanor.

From Los Angeles Times

In his post, Bryant describes his raw emotions and even uncharacteristically expresses some self-doubt before his famous Mamba Mentality inevitably surfaces.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• uncertainty