self-doubting

IPA/sˈɛlfdˈaʊtɪŋ/
IPA/sˈɛlfdˈaʊɾɪŋ/

self-doubting — adjective

1. tending to lack confidence in your own abilities, decisions, or personal value —

1.形容詞B2
釋義

tending to lack confidence in your own abilities, decisions, or personal value — the kind of person who constantly wonders whether they are good enough or have made the right choice.

例句

The constant criticism made Cyrus a deeply self-doubting young man.

made [person] + self-doubting (causative structure)

Madison felt self-doubting before her first piano recital.

felt + self-doubting (predictive use after linking verb)

同義詞
  • insecure

    broader term; can refer to social, emotional, or physical lack of confidence

  • unsure

    milder and often limited to a particular situation rather than a personality trait

  • self-conscious

    focuses more on how one appears to others than on one's own abilities

反義詞
  • confident

    general opposite; implies belief in one's own abilities

  • self-assured

    stronger, suggesting a natural inner certainty

用法筆記

Subject is usually a person or a person's thoughts and feelings. Frequently used in attributive position before nouns such as 'thoughts,' 'streak,' or 'feelings.' Distinguish from 'insecure,' which covers a broader range of contexts including social or physical safety.

常見錯誤

❌I felt self-doubting about the exam result.
✅I felt anxious about the exam result.
💡'self-doubting' describes a general tendency or personality trait, not a temporary worry about one specific event.
❌She is very self-doubting of the plan.
✅She has doubts about the plan.
💡'self-doubting' is not followed by a prepositional phrase with 'of' or 'about'; use 'have doubts about' for specific uncertainties.