self-esteem

American  

[self-i-steem, self-] / ˈsɛlf ɪˈstim, ˌsɛlf- /

noun

1. a realistic respect for or favorable impression of oneself; self-respect.

   Antonyms:

   diffidence

2. an inordinately or exaggeratedly favorable impression of oneself.

   Her self-esteem can sometimes be very annoying.

   Antonyms:

   diffidence

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self-esteem British  

noun

1. respect for or a favourable opinion of oneself

2. an unduly high opinion of oneself; vanity

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Related Words

See pride.

Etymology

Origin of self-esteem

First recorded in 1650–60

Compare meaning

How does self-esteem compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• self-worth vs. self-esteem

Example Sentences

At first, she thought it was low self-esteem and depression.

From BBC

Jackson traveled the country preaching self-esteem and self-discipline.

From Los Angeles Times

In the book, Newsom describes his struggles with dyslexia and how the learning disorder undercut his self-esteem when he was an emotionally vulnerable child.

From Los Angeles Times

And many young people are being encouraged to look at childhood as a primary cause of their depression, anxiety and low self-esteem.

From The Wall Street Journal

“It was a self-esteem issue. It was an issue of me saying to myself, ‘You’re not good enough.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• confidence
• dignity
• morale
• self-respect