self-conscious
adjective
self-con·scious
ˌself-ˈkän(t)-shəs 
1
a
: conscious of one's own acts or states as belonging to or originating in oneself : aware of oneself as an individual
b
: intensely aware of oneself : conscious
a rising and self-conscious social class
also
: produced or done with such awareness
self-conscious art
2
: uncomfortably conscious of oneself as an object of the observation of others : ill at ease
self-consciously
adverb
self-consciousness
noun
Examples of self-conscious in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Excuse the cynicism, but this is the sort of combination of touchy-feely button-pushing and self-conscious peculiarity that’s meant to seem significant and profound that will bring out your inner rom-com Grinch.
—
David Fear, Rolling Stone, 18 Sep. 2025
Surgeries, hair loss, or scars can leave young women feeling self-conscious during a period of life when many of their friends are focused on starting relationships or families.
—Julie Scott, PEOPLE, 18 Sep. 2025
These books, like Sean Thor Conroe’s Fuccboi; Adem Luz Rienspect’s Mixtape Hyperborea; Tony Tulathimutte’s Rejection; Sebastian Castillo’s Fresh, Green Life; and most recently, Jordan Castro’s Muscle Man, all depict the male psyche as a pulsing wound of self-conscious neurosis.
—Robert Rubsam, Vulture, 18 Sep. 2025
Advanced students can find the famous tape of them performing at a Harvard mixer, doing a cute song about how self-conscious everyone felt around the opposite sex.
—Brett Milano, Boston Herald, 14 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for self-conscious
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.
David Fear, Rolling Stone, 18 Sep. 2025
Surgeries, hair loss, or scars can leave young women feeling self-conscious during a period of life when many of their friends are focused on starting relationships or families.
—Julie Scott, PEOPLE, 18 Sep. 2025
These books, like Sean Thor Conroe’s Fuccboi; Adem Luz Rienspect’s Mixtape Hyperborea; Tony Tulathimutte’s Rejection; Sebastian Castillo’s Fresh, Green Life; and most recently, Jordan Castro’s Muscle Man, all depict the male psyche as a pulsing wound of self-conscious neurosis.
—Robert Rubsam, Vulture, 18 Sep. 2025
Advanced students can find the famous tape of them performing at a Harvard mixer, doing a cute song about how self-conscious everyone felt around the opposite sex.
—Brett Milano, Boston Herald, 14 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for self-conscious
Cite this Entry
“Self-conscious.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/self-conscious. Accessed 21 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share