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.
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 Just beneath their bickering lies the finest sort of friendship, one laced with as much droll sarcasm and self-deprecation as honesty and vulnerability. Tomris Laffly, TIME, 13 Sep. 2024 Part of it is that Harris’ campaign has utilized a comedic tool long popular with Gen Z: self-deprecation. Byeva Roytburg, Fortune, 24 July 2024 Putting my self-deprecation declaration to the test! Daniel Kohn, SPIN, 26 June 2024 The life of a character actor requires a lot of humility and a healthy knack for self-deprecation. Nate Jones, Vulture, 8 Apr. 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 Dec. 2024.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!