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.

The couple say they feel "conflicted and self-conscious" that it is AI money that has made it possible.

From BBC • Jul. 8, 2026

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

The six-part drama, written by and starring Gadd, follows three decades in the lives of self-conscious Niall and volatile Ruben, who were once inseparable as teens.

From BBC • Apr. 19, 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

In response to his vigilance and pressure, my sisters grew increasingly defensive and self-conscious.

From "Me Talk Pretty One Day" by David Sedaris

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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