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

But classic feels too fusty and self-conscious, even though “Hokum” has all the tropes: looming figures, clanging bells, ominous dumbwaiters.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 30, 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 hate anybody watching me sing in the studio, because I'm kind of a self-conscious person and somebody pointing a camera at me doesn't help with that," he says.

From BBC • Jan. 22, 2026

I felt nervous and awkward and self-conscious and uncomfortable.

From "Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe" by Benjamin Alire Saenz

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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