What Is Another Way to Say “Self-Doubt”?

Looking for synonyms for self-doubt? We’ve got you covered!

Here’s a list of other ways to say self-doubt.

  • Insecurity
  • Uncertainty
  • Lack of confidence
  • Self-questioning
  • Hesitation
  • Second-guessing
  • Self-mistrust
  • Doubtfulness
  • Apprehension
  • Skepticism
  • Indecisiveness
  • Inhibition
  • Timidity
  • Diffidence
  • Pessimism
  • Fearfulness
  • Vacillation
  • Lack of self-assurance
  • Lack of faith in oneself

Want to learn how to say self-doubt professionally? Keep reading for examples and use cases.

1. Insecurity

Use when: Referring to a feeling of uncertainty or anxiety about oneself.
Example: “Despite her success, she often struggles with insecurity about her capabilities.”

2. Uncertainty

Use when: Indicating a lack of sureness or confidence about oneself or a situation.
Example: “There’s a sense of uncertainty among the team about the new restructuring plan.”

3. Lack of confidence

Use when: Describing a state where someone feels unsure of their abilities or worth.
Example: “His lack of confidence during presentations hinders his ability to communicate effectively.”

4. Self-questioning

Use when: Referring to the act of doubting or questioning one’s own decisions or abilities.
Example: “Self-questioning is common among leaders facing complex challenges.”

5. Hesitation

Use when: Indicating a pause or delay due to uncertainty or self-doubt.
Example: “Her hesitation to take on new responsibilities stems from a fear of failure.”

6. Second-guessing

Use when: Describing the act of doubting or questioning decisions after they are made.
Example: “Constantly second-guessing himself, he struggled to finalize the project details.”

7. Self-mistrust

Use when: Referring to a lack of trust in one’s own judgment or abilities.
Example: “Self-mistrust often prevents talented individuals from pursuing higher positions.”

8. Doubtfulness

Use when: Indicating a state of being uncertain or lacking conviction.
Example: “Her doubtfulness about the new strategy was evident in the meeting.”

9. Apprehension

Use when: Describing a feeling of fear or anxiety about something in the future.
Example: “There is a noticeable apprehension about the upcoming changes in the organization.”

10. Skepticism

Use when: Referring to a general attitude of doubting or questioning.
Example: “His skepticism about the new policy’s effectiveness led to a heated debate.”

11. Indecisiveness

Use when: Indicating a difficulty in making decisions, often due to self-doubt.
Example: “Indecisiveness in leadership can lead to missed opportunities and delays.”

12. Inhibition

Use when: Describing a feeling that makes one self-conscious and unable to act in a relaxed and natural way.
Example: “Her inhibition in expressing her ideas openly affected the team’s creativity.”

13. Timidity

Use when: Referring to a lack of courage or confidence.
Example: “Timidity in negotiations can be a disadvantage in achieving favorable outcomes.”

14. Diffidence

Use when: Indicating modesty or shyness resulting from a lack of self-confidence.
Example: “Despite his expertise, his diffidence in speaking up often goes unnoticed.”

15. Pessimism

Use when: Describing an attitude of expecting the worst outcome.
Example: “Pessimism about the market’s future can deter investors from taking risks.”

16. Fearfulness

Use when: Referring to being frightened or scared, especially about future events or possibilities.
Example: “Fearfulness about job security is prevalent in the industry right now.”

17. Vacillation

Use when: Indicating indecision or fluctuation between different opinions or actions.
Example: “Her vacillation between various strategies delayed the project’s progress.”

18. Lack of self-assurance

Use when: Describing a state of not being confident in oneself or one’s abilities.
Example: “A lack of self-assurance can impede one’s career advancement.”

19. Lack of faith in oneself

Use when: Referring to not having belief or trust in one’s own abilities.
Example: “His lack of faith in his own judgment often leads him to seek constant validation.”

Linda Brown