Wow, you are breaking down a terminology into constituent parts, analysing their meanings, and then putting them together to give you the overall sense of the phrase - bravo. How many other terminologies can we apply this to? Have you undertaken an in-depth analysis of the term rather than a common-sense analysis? You may be right that it is misleading, but you have not provided a constructive analysis other than those based on your personal experiences. I wish life were so simple. As I have said, I am not sure it is the correct phraseology. You implying that imposter syndrome is a one-way interaction. Another person mentioned it is an excuse for victimhood. Could imposter syndrome possibly be caused by others making you doubt your abilities? Do others make you feel like an imposter? I could mention my personal experiences, but that would not be objective.