self-efficacy
Americannoun
Etymology
Origin of self-efficacy
First recorded in 1645–55, for an earlier sense; coined in 1977 by Canadian-American psychologist Albert Bandura (1925–2021), for the current sense
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.
Stewart’s career and life have been anything but easy, but her story is ultimately a masterclass in grit, perseverance and self-efficacy.
From Salon ● Aug. 9, 2025
For my mom, it was an exercise in self-efficacy.
From Slate ● Oct. 27, 2024
It’s his one source of self-esteem, self-efficacy and pride.
From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 28, 2024
Among them: Youth-focused mental health and educational services could support young people's emotional development and self-efficacy.
From Science Daily ● Mar. 25, 2024
She sees how kid-focused programs like this one prove optimal for helping develop self-efficacy.
From Seattle Times ● Aug. 11, 2023
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.
