self-analysis

noun

self-anal·​y·​sis ˌself-ə-ˈna-lə-səs How to pronounce self-analysis (audio)
: a systematic attempt by an individual to understand his or her own personality without the aid of another person

Examples of self-analysis in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Mills, a longtime associate of Fiona Apple, knows this territory well: the pointed self-analysis of an extremely sensitive person. Jenn Pelly, Time, 7 June 2025 Lynne Sharon Schwartz’s otherwise smart Rough Strife suffered from the first-person narrator’s self-analysis eclipsing action and drive. Alex Vernon may 27, Literary Hub, 27 May 2025 Do some self-analysis, and ask yourself: What are my interests? Robin Ryan, Forbes.com, 20 May 2025 This is another trait of Mr. McNally’s: lacerating self-analysis, paired with knowing humor. Sarah Lyall, New York Times, 2 May 2025 Zambra’s essays and stories contain plenty of reflection and self-analysis, but the fundamental purpose of the nonfiction that dominates the book is to show readers his son, his son’s world, and the overlapping but not identical world of fatherhood. Lily Meyer, The Atlantic, 23 Dec. 2024 The sociopolitical implications of his story—desperate poverty, harassment by the police, along with exploitation by the boxing business and its high-handed authorities—are balanced by his earnest self-analyses and the detailing of his home life. Richard Brody, The New Yorker, 17 Oct. 2024 My tip: Practice your decision-making skills as a leader with self-analysis to improve your next performance incrementally. Larae Quy, Forbes, 1 Oct. 2024 Songs From the Hole is an autobiography told in song, a series of deeply personal music videos that double as journal entries, confessions and self-analysis. Daniel Fienberg, The Hollywood Reporter, 14 Mar. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1821, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of self-analysis was in 1821

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Cite this Entry

“Self-analysis.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/self-analysis. Accessed 17 Jun. 2025.

Medical Definition

self-analysis

noun
self-anal·​y·​sis -ə-ˈnal-ə-səs How to pronounce self-analysis (audio)
plural self-analyses -ˌsēz How to pronounce self-analysis (audio)
: a systematic attempt by an individual to understand his or her own personality without the aid of another person
self-analytical adjective
also self-analytic

More from Merriam-Webster on self-analysis

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