self-esteem

American

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

noun

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

Antonyms:

diffidence
an inordinately or exaggeratedly favorable impression of oneself.

Her self-esteem can sometimes be very annoying.

Antonyms:

diffidence

self-esteem British

noun

respect for or a favourable opinion of oneself
an unduly high opinion of oneself; vanity

"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

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

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

South Wales Police is investigating, while online safety lawyer Yair Cohen said people who catfish in this way do so because they are frequently motivated by "low self-esteem" and enjoy the power it gives them.

From BBC

She said Atkins' behaviour "totally eroded my self-respect and my self-esteem".

From BBC

Her inflated self-esteem is a force of nature never wielded unkindly, unless provoked.

From Salon

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

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023