Definitions

self-conscious

[self-kon-shuhs, self-] / ˈsɛlfˈkɒn ʃəs, ˌsɛlf- /

ADJECTIVE

insecure with oneself

Synonyms

STRONGEST

anxious awkward bashful embarrassed mannered nervous sheepish shy stiff stilted uncomfortable uneasy unsure

WEAK

affected artificial diffident discomfited ill at ease out of countenance shamefaced uncertain

Antonyms

STRONGEST

calm comfortable confident content easy graceful happy unashamed unshy unworried

WEAK

assured secure sure unself-conscious

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Zadie Smith quit keeping a diary because the exercise made her feel phony and self-conscious.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 6, 2026

So he always appreciated the ability to point to his official biography on MLB.com, where he was listed at that critical height for the self-conscious male: 6-feet even.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 1, 2026

"You're self-conscious about that. It will always be there."

From BBC • Jan. 26, 2026

While the ability to straddle two generations was once a badge of honour, Ji says he has become self-conscious about interacting with younger colleagues for fear of being labelled a kkondae or Young 40.

From BBC • Jan. 17, 2026

At fifteen, Ginnie was about five feet nine in her 9-B tennis shoes, and as she entered the lobby, her self-conscious, rubber-soled awkwardness lent her a dangerous amateur quality.

From "Nine Stories" by J. D. Salinger

Vocabulary lists containing self-conscious

Latin Love, Vol I: sci

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Guts

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Unit 4: Powerful Openings

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