self-doubt
B2neutral (used in formal and informal contexts)
Definition
Meaning
lack of confidence in oneself and one's abilities
A psychological state characterized by questioning one's own worth, competence, or decisions, often accompanied by anxiety about potential failure or inadequacy.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Refers specifically to doubt directed inward, about one's own self, rather than general uncertainty. Often implies a persistent or debilitating state rather than momentary hesitation.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical differences; spelling of compound may occasionally be hyphenated (self-doubt) vs. solid (selfdoubt), but hyphenated form is standard in both.
Connotations
Similar psychological/emotional connotations in both varieties.
Frequency
Slightly more frequent in American English corpora, but common in both.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[experience/feel/overcome] + self-doubt[be plagued/riddled/full] + with/of + self-doubtself-doubt + [creeps in/sets in]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “A crisis of confidence”
- “To be one's own worst critic”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Refers to hesitation in decision-making or leadership, potentially impacting performance.
Academic
Discussed in psychology literature regarding motivation, achievement, and mental health.
Everyday
Common in conversations about personal challenges, career moves, or creative pursuits.
Technical
Clinical psychology term related to conditions like anxiety or imposter syndrome.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- She began to self-doubt her capabilities after the missed promotion.
American English
- Don't self-doubt your way out of this opportunity.
adverb
British English
- He answered self-doubtingly, his voice trailing off.
American English
- She looked at the form self-doubtingly before signing.
adjective
British English
- He gave a self-doubting shrug before answering.
American English
- Her self-doubting attitude was holding her back.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- Sometimes I feel self-doubt before a test.
- His self-doubt makes him very quiet.
- She tried to overcome her self-doubt and speak in public.
- Self-doubt can stop you from trying new things.
- Despite her achievements, she was plagued by persistent self-doubt.
- The project was delayed by the manager's sudden bout of self-doubt.
- The artist's crippling self-doubt stifled her creative output for years.
- The CEO's uncharacteristic self-doubt during the merger negotiations unsettled the board.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
SELF + DOUBT = Doubting YOURSELF. Imagine a person looking in a mirror and questioning the reflection.
Conceptual Metaphor
SELF-DOUBT IS A VOICE/WHISPERER (a nagging inner voice), SELF-DOUBT IS A BURDEN (a weight on one's shoulders), SELF-DOUBT IS A BARRIER/OBSTACLE.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid direct calque 'самосомнение' in all contexts; for temporary hesitation, 'неуверенность в себе' is more natural.
- Do not confuse with 'self-criticism' ('самокритика'), which can be more analytical and less emotional.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'self-doubt' for momentary indecision (use 'hesitation').
- Confusing 'self-doubt' (internal) with 'scepticism' (directed outward).
- Misspelling as 'selfdoubt' without hyphen (though occasionally accepted).
Practice
Quiz
Which phrase is closest in meaning to 'struggling with self-doubt'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Primarily yes, as it denotes a lack of confidence. However, in some contexts, a small amount can be seen as self-awareness or humility.
Yes, though less common (e.g., 'to self-doubt'). The noun form is vastly more frequent.
They are closely related. 'Insecurity' is broader, covering feelings of inadequacy in general. 'Self-doubt' is more specific to questioning one's abilities, judgments, or worth.
Yes, 'self-assurance', 'self-confidence', and 'self-belief' are direct positive antonyms.
Explore