: pity for oneself
especially : a self-indulgent dwelling on one's own sorrows or misfortunes
self-pitying adjective
self-pityingly adverb

Examples of self-pity in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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.
At some point between his second-inning exit, and the Dodgers’ historic rally in the top of the fifth, a dispirited Flaherty decided against any further self-pity. Jack Harris, Los Angeles Times, 1 Nov. 2024 His Larson is all limbs, all neurosis, beaming with aggressive affection at the sight of urban beauty and crumpling into self-pitying shame when his ruthless career focus is called out. Rory Doherty, Vulture, 22 Oct. 2024 Robert is too wrapped up in self-pity and bitterness. Ben Travers, IndieWire, 25 Oct. 2024 Coldplay, once skewered by critics for being too plaintive and self-pitying, was now broadcasting the opposite message: everything is magic. Amanda Petrusich, The New Yorker, 30 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for self-pity 

Word History

First Known Use

1604, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of self-pity was in 1604

Dictionary Entries Near self-pity

Cite this Entry

“Self-pity.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/self-pity. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

self-pity

noun
ˈself-ˈpit-ē
: pity for oneself
especially : too much attention to one's misfortunes
self-pitying
-ē-iŋ
adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on self-pity

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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