low self-esteem
Poor personal regard
Low self-esteem is a persistently negative view of one's own worth or abilities.
Someone with low self-esteem doubts themselves, feels inadequate, and may dismiss compliments or avoid challenges: Her low self-esteem kept her from applying for the promotion.
The phrase appears frequently in psychology and self-help contexts.
- worthlessnessLack of any value
- second guessingReconsidering past decisions
- insecurityUncertainty about oneself
- shamePainful awareness of failure
- imposter syndromeBelief you're secretly unqualified
not good enough · procrastination · fear of failure · inferiority complex · perfectionism · avoidance · pessimism · rumination · social anxiety · comparison · learned helplessness · inadequacy · withdrawal · lonely · shrinking violet · hiding · isolation · guilt
- emotional strugglesinner turmoil, inner conflict, emotional pain, heartbreak, sadness
- insecuritiesinsecurity, inadequacy, inferiority, inferiority complex, unworthiness
- personal strugglesloneliness, insecurity, anxiety, depression, inner conflict
- depressionmajor depression, clinical depression, sadness, hopelessness, anhedonia
- self-doubtinsecurity, inadequacy, unworthiness, worthlessness, inner critic
- self-loathinginner critic, worthlessness, unworthiness, toxic shame, beating yourself up
low self-esteemself-confidence
Faith in one's capabilities
self-worth · self-respect · self-assurance · confidence · self-love
low self-esteeminner strength
Mental and emotional resilience
self-actualization · psychological well-being · emotional resilience · emotional security · groundedness
low self-esteemassertiveness
Confident self-expression quality
self-assuredness · boldness · swagger · self-possession · poise