self-efficacy

American

[self-ef-i-kuh-see] / ˌsɛlfˈɛf ɪ kə si /

noun

Psychology, Psychiatry. a person's belief in their own ability to succeed at a particular task or goal.

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

"The effect can't be fully explained by associative learning processes. The generalization effect might be due to an increase in self-efficacy as a result of exposure therapy," says the researcher.

From Science Daily • Jan. 10, 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