self-doubt

self- +‎ doubt

self-doubt (countable and uncountable, plural self-doubts)

1. The doubting of one's own abilities.
   • 1971, Lyndon Johnson, “"I feel like I have already been here a year"”, in The Vantage Point‎, Holt, Reinhart & Winston, →ISBN, →LCCN, →OCLC, page 18:

     Yet in spite of these yearnings for a fallen leader, in spite of some bitterness, in spite of apprehensions, I knew it was imperative that I grasp the reins of power and do so without delay. Any hesitation or wavering, any false step, any sign of self-doubt, could have been disastrous. The nation was in a state of shock and grief. The times cried out for leadership.

   • 2022 April 6, Tom Allett, “I wouldn't want to work anywhere else”, in RAIL, number 954, page 43:

     None of the three feel they have encountered any resistance from colleagues in pursuing their chosen industry paths, although Rachel recalls how self-doubt initially hindered her progress.