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

Instead, they have spent the 11 months since former Vice President Kamala Harris’ election loss soul-searching, holding meetings with highly-paid consultants and other experts to determine a way forward.

From Salon

Written after her partner of 12 years unexpectedly died, the sprawling, soul-searching record finds Thackray re-examining every facet of her life as she tried to rebuild it.

From BBC

Some of the same soul-searching is going on in the wake of the Texas tragedy.

From Los Angeles Times

In the subsequent national soul-searching, unions were forced to do a bit of their own.

From Los Angeles Times

In 2016, England went through a revolution not dissimilar to the soul-searching of the past few months.

From BBC

Related Words

• contemplation 
• reflection 
• rumination 
• self-examination