self-awareness

noun

self-aware·​ness ˌself-ə-ˈwer-nəs How to pronounce self-awareness (audio)
Synonyms of self-awarenessnext
: an awareness of one's own personality or individuality

Examples of self-awareness 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.
Leaders with high self-awareness, meaning those whose self-assessment closely matched how others experienced them, consistently delivered stronger team and organizational outcomes. — Aurelien Mangano, Forbes.com, 20 Oct. 2026 With case rates climbing in that age bracket, self-awareness is the frontline tool. — Samantha Agate, Miami Herald, 16 Oct. 2026 Has little people skills, lacks self-awareness and can sometimes exhibit erratic behavior. — Armando Salguero Outkick, FOXNews.com, 13 Oct. 2026 Mod Sun speaks of a new self-awareness that’s reflected on his upcoming record. — Katherine Turman, SPIN, 13 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for self-awareness

Word History

First Known Use

1876, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of self-awareness was in 1876

Rhymes for self-awareness

See All Rhymes for self-awareness

Browse Nearby Words

self-aware
self-awareness
self-baptizer
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Cite this Entry

“Self-awareness.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/self-awareness. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

self-awareness

noun
self-aware·​ness
ˌsel-fə-ˈwa(ə)r-nəs, 
-ˈwe(ə)r-
: an awareness of one's own personality or individuality

Medical Definition

self-awareness

noun
self-aware·​ness
: an awareness of one's own personality or individuality

More from Merriam-Webster on self-awareness

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for self-awareness

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about self-awareness

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