soul-searching

[sohl-sur-ching]

noun

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

soul-searching

noun

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

adjective

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of soul-searching¹

First recorded in 1605–15

Example Sentences

When one loses, it leads to some deep soul-searching and a focus on what can be improved - particularly when they next meet each other.

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Newcastle's dismal 3-1 defeat at lowly West Ham on Sunday left the Magpies languishing in 13th place in the Premier League and prompted a painful bout of soul-searching on Tyneside.

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Less apology than explanation, and less explanation than soul-searching screed, this novel has a huge voice, a woman’s attempt to create meaning from the depths of family trauma.

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Mayor Johnson says the business community is being “awfully unreasonable” in its opposition to the tax and that it should “do some real soul-searching.”

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Among the Democratic soul-searching, Harris' candidacy is often disparaged, her weaknesses as a leader pinpointed as the reasons for her defeat, not just the last-minute nature of Biden's decision.

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Related Words

• contemplation 
• reflection 
• rumination 
• self-examination