noun

low self-esteem

loh self-ess-TEEM

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Low self-esteem (noun) means a persistently poor opinion of your own worth and abilities, showing up as harsh self-criticism, expecting to fail, difficulty accepting praise and putting other people's needs first. Example: “Years of criticism at home left her with low self-esteem.”

noun

A persistently poor opinion of your own worth and abilities, showing up as harsh self-criticism, expecting to fail, difficulty accepting praise and putting other people's needs first.

"Years of criticism at home left her with low self-esteem."

"Low self-esteem is common in depression but is not a diagnosis in itself."

How to use low self-esteem

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishThinking badly of yourself and feeling you are not good enough.

When to use it

Everyday and clinical alike. In psychology it describes a trait, not a disorder, and it is treated as a symptom or risk factor rather than a diagnosis.

Memory tip

Self-esteem is hyphenated and uncountable. Say she has low self-esteem, not a low self-esteem.

Trace the full origin ↓

Easily confused with

self-esteem → self-confidence self-worth self-efficacy

Common pairings

suffer from low self-esteem boost self-esteem signs of low self-esteem low self-esteem in teenagers

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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”.

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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

Years of criticism at home left her with _____.

Etymology

Esteem comes via Old French estimer from Latin aestimare, to value or appraise, so self-esteem is literally the value you place on yourself.

Origin: Latin

Synonyms

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low self-worth self-doubt insecurity poor self-image

Antonyms

high self-esteem self-confidence self-assurance

Related words

security authority confidence pride insecurity BDE self-esteem imposter syndrome

Rhymes for low self-esteem

deem seem esteem redeem Kareem Saleem Hakeem

See all rhymes for low self-esteem →

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between low self-esteem and low self-confidence?

Self-esteem is how much you value yourself as a person overall. Self-confidence is how capable you feel at particular things. Someone can be a confident public speaker and still have low self-esteem, because the two operate at different levels.

What causes low self-esteem?

It usually builds from repeated experiences rather than a single event: harsh or neglectful parenting, bullying, academic or workplace failure, discrimination, abusive relationships, or living with a chronic illness or mental health condition. Temperament and depression can also make a person more prone to it.

Is low self-esteem a mental illness?

No. It is a trait that appears in many conditions, notably depression, anxiety and eating disorders, and it can raise the risk of developing them, but it is not itself a diagnosis in the DSM or ICD.

What is the meaning of low self-esteem?

"low self-esteem" (noun) means a persistently poor opinion of your own worth and abilities, showing up as harsh self-criticism, expecting to fail, difficulty accepting praise and putting other people's needs first.

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security authority confidence pride insecurity BDE self-esteem imposter syndrome