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.

Would I emerge kinder, more resilient—or plagued with unexpected self-consciousness about one of the few areas of my life for which I haven’t felt self-conscious?

From Slate • May 10, 2026

Frank Poulsen has dementia, and like many people with memory loss, he often feels self-conscious in social situations.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 18, 2026

The staff is so young that Butera almost felt self-conscious when he was building it.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 14, 2026

I also feel very self-conscious whenever I chat to George when no-one else is around as I'm acutely aware that it's just me speaking aloud in an empty room to a chatbot.

From BBC • Jan. 30, 2026

She was surprised by how clumsy and self-conscious she was, after all she had learned and seen.

From "Atonement" by Ian McEwan

Vocabulary lists containing self-conscious

Latin Love, Vol I: sci

Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!

Guts

Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!

Unit 4: Powerful Openings

Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!