self-deprecation
noun
self-dep·re·ca·tion
ˌself-de-pri-ˈkā-shən 
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
Leah RozenComedy is about self-deprecation, about showing vulnerability.—David Moore
David MooreExamples of self-deprecation in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Melania Trump actually came to the U.S. to pursue her modelling career, but this was vintage Dolan, using jokey self-deprecation to disavow his proximity to state power and to scant the authority vested in him as archbishop.
—Paul Elie, New Yorker, 17 Apr. 2025
However, where the SEALs were concerned, there’s a cultural thing within those guys which is to absolutely err on the side of self-deprecation and humility.
—Jon Blistein, Rolling Stone, 16 Apr. 2025
Adding to the conversation, director Matt Shakman pointed out that despite previous iterations depicting the character as a silly playboy, the source material also details a superhero with great intelligence and self-deprecation.
—Harrison Richlin, IndieWire, 13 Apr. 2025
Very carefully, unless your boss is Graydon Carter, whose gift for irreverence and self-deprecation is almost as legendary as his hair.
—Jim Kelly, Air Mail, 29 Mar. 2025
The comic has always tended more towards goofiness and self-deprecation.
—Ashraf Khalil, Chicago Tribune, 23 Mar. 2025
While well-intentioned, this self-deprecation can damage your credibility and create awkwardness.
—Melody Wilding, Forbes, 4 Mar. 2025
Nothing is more disarming than a little self-deprecation.
—Stephanie Nolasco, Fox News, 3 Mar. 2025
By Judy Berman March 2, 2025 11:40 PM EST
No one does self-deprecation like Conan O’Brien.
—Judy Berman, TIME, 3 Mar. 2025
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.
Paul Elie, New Yorker, 17 Apr. 2025
However, where the SEALs were concerned, there’s a cultural thing within those guys which is to absolutely err on the side of self-deprecation and humility.
—Jon Blistein, Rolling Stone, 16 Apr. 2025
Adding to the conversation, director Matt Shakman pointed out that despite previous iterations depicting the character as a silly playboy, the source material also details a superhero with great intelligence and self-deprecation.
—Harrison Richlin, IndieWire, 13 Apr. 2025
Very carefully, unless your boss is Graydon Carter, whose gift for irreverence and self-deprecation is almost as legendary as his hair.
—Jim Kelly, Air Mail, 29 Mar. 2025
The comic has always tended more towards goofiness and self-deprecation.
—Ashraf Khalil, Chicago Tribune, 23 Mar. 2025
While well-intentioned, this self-deprecation can damage your credibility and create awkwardness.
—Melody Wilding, Forbes, 4 Mar. 2025
Nothing is more disarming than a little self-deprecation.
—Stephanie Nolasco, Fox News, 3 Mar. 2025
By Judy Berman March 2, 2025 11:40 PM EST
No one does self-deprecation like Conan O’Brien.
—Judy Berman, TIME, 3 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Self-deprecation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/self-deprecation. Accessed 8 May. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share