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Showing results for self-conscious. Search instead for semiconsciou.
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

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

While Phineas is charismatic, generous and has “a serene capacity for affection,” Gene is a self-conscious outsider who has to work hard to get good grades.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 26, 2025

But it is dealing with like, “How much do I want to see? How self-conscious am I?”

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 18, 2025

I tumbled down into reality, hot-handed and self-conscious, with my face aflame, and began to stammer my apologies.

From "Rebecca" by Daphne du Maurier