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

While Moore nails the despair, self-loathing and insecurity of a woman in a world that values appearances above all else, Qualley is just as fearless as the woman who benefits from it. —Jenelle Riley, Variety, 31 Oct. 2024

Now, in the third season of this outstanding series, Sam finally settles into her tiny community and tries to navigate change without retreating into old habits of isolation and self-loathing. —Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 20 Oct. 2024

In short order, Hurley quickly lost the one person on the island who had embraced him unconditionally, leaving him alone to wallow in his self-loathing. —Rebecca Bodenheimer, The Atlantic, 30 Sep. 2024

Kristofferson’s dry delivery perfectly embodies pain and self-loathing on the verses, but bursts open on the choruses, as if in a call for redemption. —Chris Willman, Variety, 30 Sep. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1635, in the meaning defined above