Imposter Syndrome

Pronunciation: /ɪmˈpɑːstər ˈsɪndroʊm/

Definitions of imposter syndrome

noun a psychological pattern in which an individual doubts their accomplishments and has a persistent fear of being exposed as a fraud

Example Sentences

A1 I feel like I have imposter syndrome whenever I start a new job.

A2 Many students experience imposter syndrome when they first enter university.

B1 Therapists often help clients overcome imposter syndrome through cognitive behavioral therapy.

B2 People with imposter syndrome may struggle to accept praise or recognition for their accomplishments.

C1 High-achieving professionals sometimes develop imposter syndrome despite their success.

C2 Researchers have studied the psychological factors that contribute to imposter syndrome in high-pressure environments.

Examples of imposter syndrome in a Sentence

formal Many high-achieving individuals experience imposter syndrome, feeling like they don't deserve their success.

informal I think I have imposter syndrome because I always doubt my abilities, even though others praise me.

slang Imposter syndrome is like when you feel like a fraud, even though you're actually really good at what you do.

figurative Imposter syndrome is like wearing a mask of self-doubt, even when you're capable and deserving.

Grammatical Forms of imposter syndrome

• past tense: experienced
• plural: imposter syndromes
• comparative: more imposter syndrome
• superlative: most imposter syndrome
• present tense: experiences
• future tense: will experience
• perfect tense: have experienced
• continuous tense: is experiencing
• singular: imposter syndrome
• positive degree: imposter syndrome
• infinitive: to experience imposter syndrome
• gerund: experiencing imposter syndrome
• participle: experienced imposter syndrome

Origin and Evolution of imposter syndrome

First Known Use: 1970 year

Language of Origin: English

Story behind the word: The term 'imposter syndrome' was first coined by psychologists Pauline Clance and Suzanne Imes in the 1970s.

Evolution of the word: Originally used in the field of psychology to describe feelings of inadequacy and self-doubt despite evidence of success, 'imposter syndrome' has since become a commonly used term in popular culture to describe similar experiences in various fields and industries.