self-doubt

American  

[self-dout] / ˈsɛlfˈdaʊt /

noun

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

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self-doubt British  

noun

1. the act or state of doubting oneself

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Other Word Forms

• self-doubting adjective

Etymology

Origin of self-doubt

First recorded in 1840–50

Example Sentences

In the space of 100 seconds on the slopes of Cortina, the greatest skier of all time had banished eight years of Olympic misery, nightmares, and self-doubt to become a champion again.

From The Wall Street Journal

All the self-doubt Scotland owned now transfers to England.

From BBC

As he fumbles with his out-of-tune Flying V, looking ready to shred in a thrash band, the crowd cheers for his success despite his self-doubt.

From Los Angeles Times

He would presumably say that he just wants to purge “the West” of its toxic self-doubt.

From Salon

The statement added: "As families we are suffering shock, anxiety, distress, self-doubt and guilt, but we know it is you, Jon Ruben, who is to blame for this - no one else."

From BBC

Related Words

• uncertainty