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
friends and family have tried to help the shy child develop some self-esteem
his towering self-esteem made praise from other people entirely unnecessary
the kind of self-esteem that a struggling actor needs to keep going in the face of constant discouragement and rejection
Recent Examples on the Web
Research shows that the taste and aroma of foods related to family or friends, social gatherings, and celebrations are associated with feelings of contentment, belonging, and self-esteem.
—
Allison Futterman, Discover Magazine, 15 Feb. 2025
When Ju-a unexpectedly breaks up with Si-jun on their seventh anniversary, the event sends him into a years-long depression, also driven by his floundering self-esteem as a musician.
—Kayti Burt, TIME, 14 Feb. 2025
Mark, who longs to give comfort, doesn’t have the self-esteem to protect himself from cruelty when it’s mixed up with the promise of connection.
—Charles McNulty, Los Angeles Times, 12 Feb. 2025
Our symptoms are classics: addictions, low self-esteem, attachment disorder, over/under achievement, introversion and loneliness, to name some.
—R. Eric Thomas, The Mercury News, 9 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for self-esteem
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.
Allison Futterman, Discover Magazine, 15 Feb. 2025
When Ju-a unexpectedly breaks up with Si-jun on their seventh anniversary, the event sends him into a years-long depression, also driven by his floundering self-esteem as a musician.
—Kayti Burt, TIME, 14 Feb. 2025
Mark, who longs to give comfort, doesn’t have the self-esteem to protect himself from cruelty when it’s mixed up with the promise of connection.
—Charles McNulty, Los Angeles Times, 12 Feb. 2025
Our symptoms are classics: addictions, low self-esteem, attachment disorder, over/under achievement, introversion and loneliness, to name some.
—R. Eric Thomas, The Mercury News, 9 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for self-esteem
Cite this Entry
“Self-esteem.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/self-esteem. Accessed 27 Feb. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share