What Is Imposter Syndrome and How Can You Combat It?

Question 1

Imposter

Answer 1

noun
A person who pretends to be someone else in order to deceive others
* He felt like an imposter in his new job, even though he was highly qualified.
* He felt like an imposter in his new job, even though he was highly qualified.

Question 2

Prestigious

Answer 2

adjective
Highly respected and admired for excellence, reputation, or importance
* She was offered a position at a prestigious law firm.
* Attending a prestigious university opened many career opportunities for him.

Question 3

Nagging doubt

Answer 3

adjective - noun
A persistent feeling of uncertainty or worry that something may be wrong
* A nagging doubt lingered in his mind despite the reassurances.
* He tried to ignore the nagging doubt that something was off about the deal.

Question 4

Fraudulence

Answer 4

noun
The act of deceiving or cheating, especially for personal or financial gain
* The company was fined for fraudulence in its financial reports.
* She was accused of fraudulence after using a false identity to get a loan.

Question 5

Shake a feeling

Answer 5

idiom
To get rid of or stop experiencing a persistent emotion or sensation
* He tried to shake the feeling of guilt, but it lingered.
* No matter how hard she worked, she couldn’t shake the feeling of inadequacy.

Question 6

Unwarranted

Answer 6

adjective
Not justified or authorized; lacking good reason
* His criticism of the project was completely unwarranted.
* The manager received unwarranted complaints about his leadership.

Question 7

Syndrome

Answer 7

noun
A group of related symptoms or behaviors that characterize a particular condition
* Social anxiety syndrome can affect a person’s ability to engage in everyday activities.
* Her feelings of constant self-doubt fit the pattern of imposter syndrome.

Question 8

Pervasive

Answer 8

adjective
Spreading widely throughout an area or a group of people
* Corruption was a pervasive issue in the political system.
* There was a pervasive sense of anxiety in the office before the presentation.

Question 9

Downplay

Answer 9

verb
To make something seem less important or significant than it actually is
* He tried to downplay the importance of the meeting.
* He downplayed the risks involved in the project to avoid concern.

Question 10

Spiral into …

Answer 10

idiom
To gradually fall into a worsening or uncontrollable state or situation
* The argument spiraled into a full-blown conflict.
* The situation quickly spiraled into chaos after the announcement.

Question 11

Accolades

Answer 11

noun
Praise or recognition for achievements or excellence
* She received accolades for her outstanding performance.
* The company earned accolades for its commitment to sustainability.

Question 12

Threshold

Answer 12

noun
The point or level at which something begins or changes
* The company reached the threshold for qualifying for a tax break.
* They’re on the threshold of making a breakthrough in their research.

Question 13

Susceptible

Answer 13

adjective
Likely to be influenced or harmed by something
* She was susceptible to stress due to her busy schedule.
* People with weak immune systems are susceptible to infections.

Question 14

A sure-fire way

Answer 14

phrase
A reliable and guaranteed method to achieve a desired result
* A sure-fire way to make a good impression is to be on time.
* Exercising regularly is a sure-fire way to improve your health.

Question 15

Banish

Answer 15

verb
To forcefully get rid of or eliminate a feeling or thought
* They struggled to banish their fears of the unknown.
* She tried to banish the feeling of doubt before the presentation.