Self-doubt

noun

noun ·Uncommon ·Advanced level

Definitions

Noun
  1. 1
    The doubting of one's own abilities. countable, uncountable

    "Yet in spite of these yearnings for a fallen leader, in spite of some bitterness, in spite of apprehensions, I knew it was imperative that I grasp the reins of power and do so without delay. Any hesitation or wavering, any false step, any sign of self-doubt, could have been disastrous. The nation was in a state of shock and grief. The times cried out for leadership."

  2. 2
    lack of self-confidence wordnet

Synonyms

All synonyms
apprehensiondiffidencediffidencedistrustdistrustfulnessdoubt

Example

More examples

"Tom's son is very self-assured, unlike his father who is plagued by self-doubt."

Etymology

From self- + doubt.

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Data sourced from Wiktionary, WordNet, CMU, and other open linguistic databases. Updated March 2026.