: 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
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
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 In jail, her friends had coached her to appear remorseful but not to cry, because no one likes self-pity. Lizzie Presser, ProPublica, 28 Sep. 2024 This is at the root of populism, or much of it: self-pity, grievance, resentment. Jay Nordlinger, National Review, 26 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 5 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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