self-confidence

noun

self-con·​fi·​dence ˌself-ˈkän-fə-dən(t)s 

-ˌden(t)s

: confidence in oneself and in one's powers and abilities

self-confident

ˌself-ˈkän-fə-dənt 

-ˌdent

adjective

self-confidently adverb

Synonyms of self-confidence

• confidence
• assurance
• self-assurance
• composure

Examples of self-confidence in a Sentence

for so young a pianist, he has remarkable composure and self-confidence on stage

Recent Examples on the Web

But Mari is also imbued with a deep self-confidence and appears largely unfazed by the seismic task of dealing with the most demanding woman in fashion. —Alex Ritman, Variety, 1 May 2026

Gardening fosters life skills, such as teamwork, patience, self-confidence and responsibility. —Shelley Mitchell, The Conversation, 23 Apr. 2026

Many people started talking about cosmetic surgery as a personal desire, a way to build self-confidence. —Rheana Murray, The Atlantic, 23 Apr. 2026

Studies report that students involved in sustained arts participation show increases in test scores, grade point averages and graduation rates, as well as gains in self-confidence, empathy and compassion. —U T Readers, San Diego Union-Tribune, 21 Apr. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1604, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for self-confidence

• confidence
• overconfidence

Kids Definition

self-confidence

noun

self-con·​fi·​dence

ˈself-ˈkän-fəd-ən(t)s, 

-fə-ˌden(t)s

: confidence in oneself and in one's powers and abilities

self-confident

-fəd-ənt, 

-fə-ˌdent

adjective

self-confidently adverb