self-esteem
noun
self-es·teem
ˌself-ə-ˈstēm 
1
: a confidence and satisfaction in oneself : self-respect
2
Examples of self-esteem in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The semi-autobiographical story centers on an up-and-coming journalist in Philadelphia who deals with shaky self-esteem, a fresh-out-of-the-closet mom, an absent father and the guy who broke her heart.
—
Etan Vlessing, The Hollywood Reporter, 5 Apr. 2024
Research shows that people who feel their schizophrenia is stigmatized can have worse depression, social anxiety and quality of life, as well as lower self-esteem, social functioning and support from loved ones.
—Katie Camero, USA TODAY, 5 Apr. 2024
From low self-esteem and a propensity toward anxiety and depression, to problems with sleep and digestion, the negative aspects of these emotions seem, to me, to far outweigh the positive.
—Patric Gagne, TIME, 2 Apr. 2024
In a 2018 interview with Vice, the activist touched on how nurturing her kids boosted her self-esteem.
—Jessica Booth, Peoplemag, 2 Apr. 2024
Yet some people struggle to be authentic for fear of rejection, possibly because of low self-esteem or even because of social expectations.
—Linda Fitz-Alan, Forbes, 29 Mar. 2024
Underage drinking increases the risk of anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem, which can affect the brain long-term.
—Amanda MacMillan, Health, 26 Mar. 2024
Ralph said that racist comments, particularly about her appearance, did a number on her self-esteem.
—Jenna Ryu, SELF, 21 Mar. 2024
These small but daily digs wear down my self-esteem and self-worth.
—Sahaj Kaur Kohli, Washington Post, 21 Mar. 2024
Etan Vlessing, The Hollywood Reporter, 5 Apr. 2024
Research shows that people who feel their schizophrenia is stigmatized can have worse depression, social anxiety and quality of life, as well as lower self-esteem, social functioning and support from loved ones.
—Katie Camero, USA TODAY, 5 Apr. 2024
From low self-esteem and a propensity toward anxiety and depression, to problems with sleep and digestion, the negative aspects of these emotions seem, to me, to far outweigh the positive.
—Patric Gagne, TIME, 2 Apr. 2024
In a 2018 interview with Vice, the activist touched on how nurturing her kids boosted her self-esteem.
—Jessica Booth, Peoplemag, 2 Apr. 2024
Yet some people struggle to be authentic for fear of rejection, possibly because of low self-esteem or even because of social expectations.
—Linda Fitz-Alan, Forbes, 29 Mar. 2024
Underage drinking increases the risk of anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem, which can affect the brain long-term.
—Amanda MacMillan, Health, 26 Mar. 2024
Ralph said that racist comments, particularly about her appearance, did a number on her self-esteem.
—Jenna Ryu, SELF, 21 Mar. 2024
These small but daily digs wear down my self-esteem and self-worth.
—Sahaj Kaur Kohli, Washington Post, 21 Mar. 2024
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'self-esteem.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
First Known Use
1619, in the meaning defined at sense 1
Dictionary Entries Near self-esteem
Cite this Entry
“Self-esteem.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/self-esteem. Accessed 16 Apr. 2024.
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Kids Definition
self-esteem
noun
self-es·teem
ˌsel-fə-ˈstēm
1
: a confidence and satisfaction in oneself : self-respect
2
: an exaggerated opinion of one's own abilities : self-conceit
More from Merriam-Webster on self-esteem
Nglish: Translation of self-esteem for Spanish Speakers
Britannica English: Translation of self-esteem for Arabic Speakers
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