noun

imposter syndrome

im-POS-tuhr SIN-drohm

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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.”

noun

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.

"Three promotions in, she still had imposter syndrome every time she spoke in a board meeting."

"A lot of first-year students get imposter syndrome and assume everyone else understands the material."

How to use imposter syndrome

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishFeeling like a fake at something you are actually good at.

When to use it

Informal to neutral; very common in workplace, academic and mental-health conversation.

Memory tip

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.

Easily confused with

impostor syndrome low self-esteem → false modesty

Common pairings

suffer from imposter syndrome classic imposter syndrome battling imposter syndrome

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Test yourself on “imposter syndrome” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

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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imposter phenomenon fraud syndrome self-doubt

Related words

insecurity self-esteem low self-esteem

Rhymes for imposter syndrome

ome some come home Rome nome tome dome gnome genome become income

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.

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