underconfidence

[/ˌʌndərˈkɒnfɪdəns/]
nounpl: underconfidences
falta de confiança, confiança insuficiente
1. A lack of confidence in one's abilities, judgment, or worth that is less than what is justified or warranted by actual capability or evidence
Her underconfidence prevented her from applying for the promotion despite being the most qualified candidate.
A sua falta de confiança impediu-a de se candidatar à promoção apesar de ser a candidata mais qualificada.
2. An excessive tendency to doubt or underestimate oneself, one's skills, or one's potential
The athlete's underconfidence affected his performance in the competition.
A falta de confiança do atleta afetou seu desempenho na competição.
3. A psychological state characterized by self-doubt that is disproportionate to actual competence or ability
Underconfidence in STEM fields is particularly common among young women.
A falta de confiança em disciplinas STEM é particularmente comum entre mulheres jovens.
Underconfidence is widely discussed in contemporary psychology and self-help literature in both the USA and Brazil. It is particularly noted as a barrier to women's advancement in leadership and STEM fields. In Brazilian culture, the concept relates to discussions about self-worth and professional development, especially in emerging markets where imposter syndrome is increasingly recognized.
Synonyms / Sinônimos
self-doubtlack of confidenceinsecuritydiffidenceuncertaintyhesitation
Antonyms / Antônimos
overconfidencearroganceself-assuranceconfidencecertainty

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
falta de confiança, confiança insuficiente
Most common usage in Brazil
São Paulo
insegurança, falta de auto-confiança
Also used in business contexts
Rio de Janeiro
falta de confiança, receio
Sometimes with emphasis on fear of failure
Portugal
falta de confiança, insegurança
Similar usage to Brazilian Portuguese

Related Words

confidenceself-efficacyimposter syndromeself-esteemassertivenessself-doubt

Related Idioms & Phrases

lack of self-belief
underselling oneself
playing small
holding oneself back
Look up more words on Fala2Me
The free English-Portuguese dictionary with real Brazilian accents, NYC slang, conjugator and more
Open Fala2Me →