self-conscious

adjective

self-con·​scious ˌself-ˈkän(t)-shəs 

1

a

: conscious of one's own acts or states as belonging to or originating in oneself : aware of oneself as an individual

b

: intensely aware of oneself : conscious

a rising and self-conscious social class

also : produced or done with such awareness

self-conscious art

2

: uncomfortably conscious of oneself as an object of the observation of others : ill at ease

self-consciously adverb

self-consciousness noun

Examples of self-conscious in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Naturally, people had a lot to say about this apparent self-conscious vocal change. —Meg Walters, Glamour, 19 June 2024

This début novel, by a noted writer of short stories, begins as Eva, the self-conscious teen-age daughter of middle-class parents, befriends a boy named Jamie, an intellectual with a contrarian streak who comes from a wealthy family. —The New Yorker, 17 June 2024

Kathy is nervous and self-conscious, which for Succession freaks is a whole new look for J. Smith Cameron; Deborah’s rage and jealousy are impossible to suppress. —Jessica M. Goldstein, Vulture, 23 May 2024

Again, this could be all down to the writing, to the show’s expanding storylines and self-conscious frippery. —Aja Romano, Vox, 21 May 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1632, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Kids Definition

self-conscious

adjective

self-con·​scious

ˈself-ˈkän-chəs

: uncomfortably conscious of oneself as an object of the observation of others

self-consciously adverb

self-consciousness noun