self-deprecation

noun

self-dep·​re·​ca·​tion ˌself-de-pri-ˈkā-shən How to pronounce self-deprecation (audio)
plural self-deprecations
: disparagement or undervaluation of oneself
On-camera and off, cheerful self-deprecation is the key to Hugh Grant's formidable charm.Leah Rozen
Comedy is about self-deprecation, about showing vulnerability.David Moore

Examples of self-deprecation in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Kirke uses self-deprecation and tenderness to reminisce in her writing on the ways her childhood shaped her and her famous sisters (Jemima became an actress best known for her role on Girls; Domino is a singer turned doula and is married to actor Penn Badgley). Seija Rankin, The Hollywood Reporter, 30 Jan. 2025 Goose’s humor is a blend of clever wordplay, observational comedy, and a dash of self-deprecation. Eric Fuller, Forbes, 23 Jan. 2025 Her brand of self-deprecation, brutal honesty and sharp wit has elevated her to stardom and changed her life. Ali Lerman, Los Angeles Times, 2 Jan. 2025 More than anything, the movie gives you a portrait of the artist as an open wound, with self-mythologizing masquerading as self-loathing and self-deprecation taken to uncomfortable extremes. David Fear, Rolling Stone, 25 Dec. 2024 Vekic’s serve crumbled against eventual champion Sabalenka (William West / AFP via Getty Images) That self-deprecation and sense of humour is an important part of the Vekic package. Charlie Eccleshare, The Athletic, 1 Aug. 2024 There’s something about that kind of self-deprecation, the public-school way of charming people into forgiving you for things. Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 27 Aug. 2024 Making oneself the butt of the joke through self-deprecation or irony. Mark Travers, Forbes, 13 Oct. 2024 His warm friendliness and cheeky self-deprecation suggest a character who plays perfectly to Grant's usual strengths as a leading man. Wesley Stenzel, EW.com, 16 Sep. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1846, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of self-deprecation was in 1846

Dictionary Entries Near self-deprecation

Cite this Entry

“Self-deprecation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/self-deprecation. Accessed 22 Feb. 2025.

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