C1adjectivepsychologyemotions
US/ˌselfˈkɑːn.ʃəs/
UK/ˌselfˈkɒn.ʃəs/
nervous or embarrassed because you think other people are watching or judging you
In context
She felt self-conscious about her accent when she spoke English at work.
Teenagers are often painfully self-conscious about the way they look.
He gave a self-conscious laugh and looked down at his shoes.
Words that go with self-conscious
verb + preposition
- feel self-consciousI always feel self-conscious when I have to speak in public.
adjective + preposition
- self-conscious aboutHe is self-conscious about his weight.
adverb + adjective
- painfully self-consciousAs a child she was painfully self-conscious.
adjective + noun
- a self-conscious laughHe gave a self-conscious laugh when everyone looked at him.
- a self-conscious smileShe answered with a self-conscious smile.
Common mistakes
Incorrect:
I am very self-conscious about the test, so I feel sure I will pass.Correct: I am very self-confident about the test, so I feel sure I will pass.