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
Among the special’s finest moments is when Gadsby considers an exit from comedy, or, rather, closing the chapter on an era of comedy that foregrounded self-deprecation over healing.
—Will Digravio, TIME, 21 Feb. 2025
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
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.
Will Digravio, TIME, 21 Feb. 2025
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
Cite this Entry
“Self-deprecation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/self-deprecation. Accessed 27 Feb. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share