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 Billed as a cultural celebration of Los Angeles, Everybody’s In L.A. intersperses field pieces with Mulaney’s unique brand of standup, a melange of observational humor and fey self-deprecation. Ej Dickson, Rolling Stone, 4 May 2024 In comedy, a form built on underdog relatability and the cathartic pleasures of both self-deprecation and punching up, being gorgeous can be a professional liability. Helen Rosner, The New Yorker, 23 Apr. 2024 Stewart also outsourced some of his self-deprecation. Alison Herman, Variety, 13 Feb. 2024 But the British actor's onscreen brothers won't stand for any self-deprecation. EW.com, 6 Nov. 2023 In its self-deprecation, Anuncia cultivates plenty of delicate gestures but holds back from digging deeper. Vulture, 21 Nov. 2023 And even the most earnest self-deprecation can contain the seeds of vanity. Richard Brody, The New Yorker, 17 Nov. 2023 Vivek Ramaswamy just tried a bit of self-deprecation, but Nikki Haley was having none of it. Aaron Zitner, WSJ, 28 Sep. 2023 Armed with a keen descriptive voice and a dash of self-deprecation, Jason Stewart manages to steer his way through. Peter Rubin, Longreads, 12 Sep. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'self-deprecation.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1846, in the meaning defined above

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

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 12 May. 2024.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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