identity crisis

noun

1

: personal psychosocial conflict especially in adolescence that involves confusion about one's social role and often a sense of loss of continuity to one's personality

2

: a state of confusion in an institution or organization regarding its nature or direction

Examples of identity crisis in a Sentence

He is suffering from an identity crisis.

Recent Examples on the Web

Though film industries across the continent have existed since the 1960s, our film sectors are still small, and currently negotiating with their own identity crises. —Kui Mwai, Essence, 20 Dec. 2024

The data has spoken: Men are struggling This identity crisis appears to be manifesting, in part, as a mental health crisis. —Celia Ford, Vox, 3 Dec. 2024

White America’s identity crisis (overwhelmingly, white men and women voted for Trump) overrides the innate pull towards progressive policies and ideals, as Keeanga-Yamahtta Taylor has shared. —Brea Baker, refinery29.com, 6 Nov. 2024

The mid-19th century found Great Britain in the midst of an identity crisis. —Eli Wizevich, Smithsonian Magazine, 19 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1941, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Medical Definition

identity crisis

noun

: personal psychosocial conflict especially in adolescence that involves confusion about one's social role and often a sense of loss of continuity to one's personality