Self-esteem – confidence in one's own worth

(Pronounced self ih-steem)

To remember the definition of the word self-esteem, use the following mnemonic:

Her self-improvement plan included letting off steam (self-esteem): yelling from the top of a pillar improved her confidence. To put someone on a pedestal like that would give anyone confidence in their own worth.

Examples of self-esteem in a sentence

She lost her job and suffered from low self-esteem.

One way to lift someone's self-esteem is to offer them compliments and words of encouragement.

Schooling doesn't only increase student's knowledge, but also their self-esteem.