imposter syndrome
Imposter syndrome (noun) means the persistent feeling that your achievements are undeserved and that you will eventually be exposed as a fraud, despite clear evidence that you are competent. Example: “Three promotions in, she still had imposter syndrome every time she spoke in a board meeting.”
How to use imposter syndrome
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishFeeling like a fake at something you are actually good at.
Informal to neutral; very common in workplace, academic and mental-health conversation.
The phrase describes a feeling, not an accusation, so you can say I have imposter syndrome but you would not say he is imposter syndrome.
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Three promotions in, she still had _____ every time she spoke in a board meeting.
Synonyms
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Rhymes for imposter syndrome
See all rhymes for imposter syndrome →Frequently asked questions
Is imposter syndrome a real medical condition?
No. It is not a recognised diagnosis in the DSM or ICD; it is a descriptive term for a common pattern of thinking. It can still be distressing enough to be worth discussing with a therapist, often alongside anxiety or perfectionism.
Is it spelled imposter syndrome or impostor syndrome?
Both are accepted. Impostor is the older and more traditional spelling and is preferred by most dictionaries, while imposter is now extremely common, especially in everyday and online writing.
What is the difference between imposter syndrome and low self-esteem?
Low self-esteem is a broad, low opinion of yourself across the board. Imposter syndrome is narrower and stranger: the person often knows they are capable in other respects but cannot accept credit for a specific success, attributing it to luck, charm or timing.
What is the meaning of imposter syndrome?
"imposter syndrome" (noun) means the persistent feeling that your achievements are undeserved and that you will eventually be exposed as a fraud, despite clear evidence that you are competent.