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.
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

Word History

First Known Use

1846, in the meaning defined above

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

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Cite this Entry

“Self-deprecation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/self-deprecation. Accessed 27 Feb. 2025.

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