self-deprecatory

adjective

self-dep·​re·​ca·​to·​ry ˌself-ˈde-pri-kə-ˌtȯr-ē How to pronounce self-deprecatory (audio)
-ˈde-prə-ˌkā-tə-rē
: expressing disparagement or undervaluation of oneself : self-deprecating
… an intense yet sensitive athlete with a nice touch of self-deprecatory humor.Sandy Treadwell
But then, in a funny, charming, self-deprecatory way he'd start telling rambling, digressive, but observant and intelligent stories that would bare his soul and crack you up …Ron Rosenbaum

Examples of self-deprecatory in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web But here, Astrov, given great self-deprecatory wit by William Jackson Harper, is more dimensional than usual, including, for once, an interest in trees that’s as painfully visceral as his interest in Elena. Jesse Green, New York Times, 25 Apr. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'self-deprecatory.' 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

1850, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of self-deprecatory was in 1850

Dictionary Entries Near self-deprecatory

Cite this Entry

“Self-deprecatory.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/self-deprecatory. Accessed 29 Apr. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on self-deprecatory

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