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Synonyms

self-doubt

American  
[self-dout] / ˈsɛlfˈdaʊt /

noun

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


self-doubt British  

noun

  1. the act or state of doubting oneself

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

Etymology

Origin of self-doubt

First recorded in 1840–50

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.

According to Binghamton University, State University of New York psychology researcher Jiyun Elizabeth Shin, impostorism involves persistent self doubt even when objective evidence shows success.

From Science Daily • Jan. 5, 2026

"I think I had a lot of self doubt," she says.

From BBC • Apr. 21, 2024

In “The Canvas,” Mr. Printup noted that had always been haunted by self doubt, but had persisted through it.

From New York Times • Jun. 28, 2023

The adult could be left with lower self esteem and higher self doubt, Waichler says.

From Washington Post • Jul. 13, 2022

He has broken the first three fetters called belief in the existence of self, doubt, and trust in ceremonies or good works.

From Hinduism and Buddhism, An Historical Sketch, Vol. 1 by Eliot, Charles, Sir

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