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
Vekic’s serve crumbled against eventual champion Sabalenka (William West / AFP via Getty Images)
That self-deprecation and sense of humour is an important part of the Vekic package.
—Charlie Eccleshare, The Athletic, 1 Aug. 2024
There’s something about that kind of self-deprecation, the public-school way of charming people into forgiving you for things.
—Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 27 Aug. 2024
Making oneself the butt of the joke through self-deprecation or irony.
—Mark Travers, Forbes, 13 Oct. 2024
His warm friendliness and cheeky self-deprecation suggest a character who plays perfectly to Grant's usual strengths as a leading man.
—Wesley Stenzel, EW.com, 16 Sep. 2024
Just beneath their bickering lies the finest sort of friendship, one laced with as much droll sarcasm and self-deprecation as honesty and vulnerability.
—Tomris Laffly, TIME, 13 Sep. 2024
Part of it is that Harris’ campaign has utilized a comedic tool long popular with Gen Z: self-deprecation.
—Byeva Roytburg, Fortune, 24 July 2024
Putting my self-deprecation declaration to the test!
—Daniel Kohn, SPIN, 26 June 2024
The life of a character actor requires a lot of humility and a healthy knack for self-deprecation.
—Nate Jones, Vulture, 8 Apr. 2024
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.
Charlie Eccleshare, The Athletic, 1 Aug. 2024
There’s something about that kind of self-deprecation, the public-school way of charming people into forgiving you for things.
—Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 27 Aug. 2024
Making oneself the butt of the joke through self-deprecation or irony.
—Mark Travers, Forbes, 13 Oct. 2024
His warm friendliness and cheeky self-deprecation suggest a character who plays perfectly to Grant's usual strengths as a leading man.
—Wesley Stenzel, EW.com, 16 Sep. 2024
Just beneath their bickering lies the finest sort of friendship, one laced with as much droll sarcasm and self-deprecation as honesty and vulnerability.
—Tomris Laffly, TIME, 13 Sep. 2024
Part of it is that Harris’ campaign has utilized a comedic tool long popular with Gen Z: self-deprecation.
—Byeva Roytburg, Fortune, 24 July 2024
Putting my self-deprecation declaration to the test!
—Daniel Kohn, SPIN, 26 June 2024
The life of a character actor requires a lot of humility and a healthy knack for self-deprecation.
—Nate Jones, Vulture, 8 Apr. 2024
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 25 Dec. 2024.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share