Word
self esteem
Uncountable noun
Definition
n. the way you feel about yourself and your own value. If you have high self-esteem, you believe in your abilities and feel good about who you are.
n. a subjective evaluation of one's own worth, encompassing beliefs about oneself as well as emotional states such as pride and shame.
Examples
“Playing sports helped the children build their self-esteem.”
“After failing the exam, he struggled with low self-esteem and doubted whether he belonged in the university program.”
“Psychological interventions aimed at improving self-esteem often focus on cognitive restructuring, helping patients challenge the internalized negative beliefs that undermine their sense of personal value.”
Examples
simple
“Playing sports helped the children build their self-esteem.”
contextual
“After failing the exam, he struggled with low self-esteem and doubted whether he belonged in the university program.”
complex
“Psychological interventions aimed at improving self-esteem often focus on cognitive restructuring, helping patients challenge the internalized negative beliefs that undermine their sense of personal value.”
Usage
Frequently collocates with adjectives like 'high' or 'low', and verbs like 'build', 'boost', or 'damage'.
Real-World Examples
“The programme covers a range of topics, including managing anxiety and boosting self-esteem.” “Body-focused comments can lead to low self-esteem, depression, self-harm and may also contribute to eating disorders.” “Volunteering, for example, has been linked to improved mental health, self-esteem and self-efficacy, and reduced feelings of loneliness.” “If someone thought that the alcohol made them relaxed and sociable, they found that they felt less tense and had higher self-esteem.” Etymology
From self- + esteem.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Word family
NOUN
Related words
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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