self-doubt

noun

ˌself-ˈdau̇t How to pronounce self-doubt (audio)
plural self-doubts
Synonyms of self-doubtnext
: a lack of faith in oneself : a feeling of doubt or uncertainty about one's abilities, actions, etc.
plagued with/by self-doubt
overcame her self-doubts
The man who comes through the pages of this straightforwardly written autobiography is eminently human, full of self-doubt about his personal life and his career …— Walter Goodman

Examples of self-doubt in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Losing Confidence Mid-Interview A tricky question or unexpected turn in the conversation can deflate confidence, leading to second-guessing and self-doubt. — Michael Guan, Forbes, 13 Mar. 2025 Shayne’s potent combination of swagger and self-doubt came to a head at the Love Is Blind bachelor party. — Kathryn Vanarendonk, Vulture, 10 Mar. 2025 For years, Sophie Grégoire Trudeau kept her struggle with an eating disorder hidden, locked away behind shame and self-doubt. — Emily Cegielski, Flow Space, 8 Mar. 2025 And that’s a recipe for anxiety, fragility and self-doubt, which pretty much leads to them becoming unhappy adults. — Becky Kennedy, Contributor, CNBC, 7 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for self-doubt

Word History

First Known Use

1847, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of self-doubt was in 1847

Rhymes for self-doubt

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self-doubt
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Cite this Entry

“Self-doubt.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/self-doubt. Accessed 25 Mar. 2025.

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Kids Definition

self-doubt

noun
ˈself-ˈdau̇t
: a lack of faith in oneself
self-doubting
-iŋ
adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on self-doubt

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for self-doubt

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