self-esteem

[ self-i-steem, self- ]

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

self-esteem

noun

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of self-esteem¹

First recorded in 1650–60

Synonym Study

See pride.

Example Sentences

Streeting also highlighted social-media pressures, saying men faced similar issues to women around their self-esteem and body image and he would not "shy away" from the need to focus on men’s health.

From BBC

The paper tested the influence of networked friendship quality on trait self-esteem and loneliness.

From Science Daily

There was a “toll on my ego and my self-esteem,” she said, noting the “extremes in this business” of being either idolized or hated.

From Los Angeles Times

She says his self-esteem was “hugely impacted” by the suspensions: “At that age you don’t understand, you just think you’re bad.”

From BBC

She said she had been made to feel like a nuisance and that her self-esteem and mental health had been affected.

From BBC

Related Words

• confidence
• dignity
• morale
• self-respect