Definition

Noun: 1. A feeling of trust in one's own abilities, qualities, and judgment: A positive belief that one can successfully handle situations, meet challenges, and achieve goals. 2. Freedom from doubt about one's own worth or capabilities: A state of being certain and assured in oneself.

Usage

Self-confidence is an uncountable noun. It describes an internal state of mind and is often used in contexts of personal development, psychology, leadership, and performance.

Examples

• General Use:

  • Her self-confidence grew after she successfully gave the presentation.
  • A lack of self-confidence can hold people back from pursuing their dreams.
  • He projects an air of quiet self-confidence.

• With Adjectives:

  • She has unshakable self-confidence.
  • The experience gave him a new-found self-confidence.

Advanced Usage

• "to have self-confidence": To possess this quality.
  • To be a good leader, you must have self-confidence.
• "to gain/lose self-confidence": To acquire or to have this quality diminish.
  • Winning the competition helped her gain self-confidence.
  • Constant criticism can cause someone to lose their self-confidence.
• "a boost in self-confidence": An event or action that increases one's self-confidence.
  • Mastering a new skill provides a real boost in self-confidence.

Variants and Related Words

• Self-confident (adjective): Having or showing self-confidence.
  • She is a very self-confident public speaker.
• Confidence (noun): A broader term that can mean trust in someone or something else, or a feeling of self-assurance. is a specific type of confidence directed inward.
  • He has confidence in his team. (trust in others)
  • He has self-confidence. (trust in himself)

Synonyms

• Assurance: A state of being certain, often with a connotation of composure.
• Self-assurance: Very similar to self-confidence, emphasizing poise and certainty.
• Self-esteem: A broader term for one's overall sense of self-worth, of which self-confidence can be a part.
• Poise: Graceful and confident composure.

Antonyms

• Self-doubt: Lack of confidence in oneself.
• Insecurity: Uncertainty about oneself; lack of confidence.
• Diffidence: Modesty or shyness resulting from a lack of self-confidence.

Noun

1. freedom from doubt; belief in yourself and your abilities
   • his assurance in his superiority did not make him popular
   • after that failure he lost his confidence
   • she spoke with authority