self-deprecation
noun
self-dep·re·ca·tion
ˌself-de-pri-ˈkā-shən 
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
Leah RozenComedy is about self-deprecation, about showing vulnerability.—David Moore
David MooreExamples of self-deprecation in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
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
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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
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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