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

And fortunately for their self-esteem, investors are increasingly likely to buy and sell exchange-traded funds tracking whole sectors rather than individual stocks.

From The Wall Street Journal

"We have gone in with higher self-esteem, to first attack the competition and try to get through to the knockout stage. We are on our way to doing that."

From Barron's

The content also portrays an unrealistic idea of beauty via digitally altered images that can lead to low self-esteem in girls, which creates fertile ground for depression or eating disorders, it added.

From Barron's

Why it’s vital: In his critically acclaimed series “BoJack Horseman,” Bob-Waksberg examines memory as a sharp edge constantly cutting down the character’s ego and self-esteem.

From Salon

From there, Gunn’s curated playlist, featuring bands like Hardcore Superstar, Cruel Intentions and Ida Maria, musically narrates each installment’s operatic heroics and slapstick violence, or adds poignancy to Chris’ bouts of crushingly low self-esteem.

From Salon

Related Words

• confidence
• dignity
• morale
• self-respect