self-doubt.

Uncertainty about one’s own ability, judgment, or worth.

Use it for

Words that belong together

• persistent self-doubt
• overcome self-doubt
• a moment of self-doubt

On the page

Self-doubt made her rehearse the emergency instructions a fourth time.

His fear of the hearing was sharpened by self-doubt about his memory.

A successful rescue did not erase the pilot’s self-doubt overnight.

Usage notes

Primary category: fear. Internal evaluation, not necessarily fear; can create fear of failure or exposure. More specifically self-directed than insecurity about external stability. Usually uncountable in this sense.