noun
self-esteem
self-i-STEEM
Self-esteem (noun) means Your overall sense of your own worth and value as a person. Example: “Being made redundant knocked her self-esteem badly.”
noun
1
Your overall sense of your own worth and value as a person.
"Being made redundant knocked her self-esteem badly."
"Children with healthy self-esteem cope better with criticism."
How to use self-esteem
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishHow much you think you are worth as a person.
When to use it
Neutral; standard in psychology, education and everyday speech alike.
Easily confused with
self-confidence
self-worth
self-image
Common pairings
low self-esteem
boost self-esteem
healthy self-esteem
a blow to her self-esteem
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Being made redundant knocked her _____ badly.
Etymology
From self plus esteem, which comes through Old French from Latin aestimare 'to value, to appraise'.
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for self-esteem
See all rhymes for self-esteem →Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between self-esteem and self-confidence?
Self-esteem is about worth: whether you believe you are a good and valuable person. Self-confidence is about ability: whether you believe you can do a particular thing. Someone can be a confident surgeon and still have low self-esteem, and the reverse is just as common.
What are the signs of low self-esteem?
Common signs include harsh self-criticism, difficulty accepting compliments, apologising constantly, avoiding challenges for fear of failing, and tolerating poor treatment from others because you feel you deserve no better. Persistent low self-esteem is closely linked with depression and anxiety and is worth raising with a doctor.
Is high self-esteem always good?
Not automatically. Research distinguishes secure self-esteem, which is stable and does not depend on beating others, from fragile or inflated self-esteem, which needs constant validation and can turn defensive or aggressive when challenged.
What is the meaning of self-esteem?
"self-esteem" (noun) means your overall sense of your own worth and value as a person.
