soul-searching

American  

[sohl-sur-ching] / ˈsoʊlˌsɜr tʃɪŋ /

noun

1. the act or process of close and penetrating analysis of oneself, to determine one's true motives and sentiments.

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soul-searching British  

noun

1. deep or critical examination of one's motives, actions, beliefs, etc

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adjective

1. displaying the characteristics of deep or painful self-analysis

Etymology

Origin of soul-searching

First recorded in 1605–15

Example Sentences

Indeed, such has been the level of contemplation regarding Frank's immediate future at Tottenham in recent weeks that this loss will almost certainly trigger further soul-searching from the club's leadership group.

From BBC

Yes, according to career coaches, though it requires some soul-searching, planning for what’s next and, frankly, sucking it up.

From Barron's

England head to India to launch their World Cup campaign with momentum at their backs, while Sri Lanka have plenty of soul-searching to do with their frailties against spin brutally exposed.

From Barron's

Reading Bonfire led to reading business news and, after more soul-searching, before I knew it I was off to business school and the much-less-boring world of finance and entrepreneurship.

From The Wall Street Journal

Hellerstein’s friend and former law partner, Joel Cohen, said the judge wouldn’t have decided to stay on the case without his usual soul-searching.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• contemplation
• reflection
• rumination
• self-examination