self-loathing

noun

self-loath·​ing ˌself-ˈlō-ṯẖiŋ 

: loathing of oneself : self-hatred

acting out of fear and self-loathing

… the idea that the self-absorption and egotism of the narcissist are a pose to mask their opposite: a deep well of self-loathing and low self-esteem.

—Jeffrey Kluger

self-loathing adjective

… his life as a self-loathing sensualist, an incautious but easily damaged artist …

—A. L. Kennedy

… stars as a self-loathing English writer who writes Hollywood sitcoms for his actress wife …

—Giselle Benatar

Examples of self-loathing in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Finding the hard evidence first before jumping to conclusions saves a lot of self-loathing, unnecessary worry, relationship problems and time. —Bryan Robinson, Forbes, 7 Sep. 2024

Like really connecting on the deeper level to the desperation and the pain and rejection that Elisabeth is facing at the beginning of this and that kind of depth of fear and self-loathing. —Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 5 Sep. 2024

Despite the ruinous results, Lizzie also can’t seem to serve her own best interests, controlled by own self-loathing. —Nicholas Bell, SPIN, 4 Sep. 2024

Consumed with self-loathing, Lee begins dabbling in heroin and cocaine, and becomes obsessed with the idea of taking ayahuasca. —Radhika Seth, Vogue, 3 Sep. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1635, in the meaning defined above