self-distrust

6.8

Feeling unable to rely on your own choices or skills

noun
/ˈsɛlf dɪsˈtrʌst/

: autodesconfianza

Her constant self-distrust made it difficult for her to make decisions.

Examples

In the way that a dedicated cynic cheapens life, dousing the light for all around him, that man generated self-distrust.

Fiction book (1991)
Their own ever-present self-distrust.

Fiction book (2002)
After failing the exam, he was filled with self-distrust about his abilities.
Self-distrust can hinder a person's growth and success in their career.

Synonyms

insecurity

vsself-distrust

93 3.7

A feeling of not being sure about yourself or what you can do

focuses on mistrust of one's own abilities and judgment, not anxiety

self-doubt

vsself-distrust

21 4.6

Not feeling sure about what you can do or your decisions

is identical in meaning with no major difference in sense

diffidence

vsself-distrust

2 8.4

Shyness and lack of confidence that makes someone hesitate to speak or act

is about mistrusting personal abilities and judgment rather than social reticence

insecureness

vsself-distrust

6.8

Feeling unsure and worried about safety or the future

emphasizes mistrust of abilities and judgment rather than vulnerability to risk

Antonyms

self-confidence

49 3.5

Trust in your own skills and worth

self-assurance

4 3.5

Confidence in your own ability to do things and make choices

How Distrustful

self-distrust

6.8

self-doubt

21 4.6

doubt

∞ 1.6

uncertainty

296 4.0

Surface Forms

self-distrust singular

self-distrusts plural

Morphology

self-distrust = self + distrust (transparent) = self + distrust

Meaning is directly the combination of 'self' + 'distrust' = mistrust of oneself, which learners can derive from the parts.

Etymology

Self-distrust breaks into self- meaning 'oneself' and distrust meaning 'not to trust'. So it literally means 'not trusting yourself', which is why it describes a lack of confidence in your own abilities or judgment.