self-deprecating

American  

[self-dep-ri-key-ting, self-] / ˌsɛlfˈdɛp rɪˌkeɪ tɪŋ, ˌsɛlf- /

Also self-deprecatory

adjective

1. belittling or undervaluing oneself; excessively modest.

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self-deprecating British  

adjective

1. having a tendency to disparage oneself

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Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• self-deprecatingly
  adverb
• self-deprecation
  noun

Explanation

A self-deprecating person knows her own weaknesses and shortcomings and isn't afraid to point them out, often in a humorous way. Some people are egotistical, always talking about how great they are. The opposite type of person is self-deprecating, dwelling on his own faults and even joking about how he's short, unsuccessful, or not that smart. Being self-deprecating is usually considered a good trait, a quality of someone with a wry sense of humor. When being self-deprecating goes too far, it can become self-loathing and self-sabotaging, which are less amusing forms of putting yourself down.

Example Sentences

Below are five bits that encapsulate his run as one of late-night’s most self-deprecating hosts.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 21, 2026

Kristen Baldwin is pulling for a couple of “diminutive Brits”: Oscar winner Ben Kingsley and former “wiz” kid Daniel Radcliffe, who “delivers a wonderfully self-deprecating performance as a down-on-his-luck documentary director in ‘Reggie Dinkins.’

From Los Angeles Times • May 20, 2026

Rhodes, who has appeared before his former law partner in court, has described her as "wickedly funny" although she can be self-deprecating about her sense of humour.

From BBC • May 6, 2026

Behind the music was a man whose musical talent was matched by a devilish sense of self-deprecating humour – referring to himself as "Hairy Styles" and clapping back at his critics.

From BBC • Apr. 25, 2026

And in lo those many years, he has never before made a self-deprecating joke.

From "Will Grayson, Will Grayson" by John Green and David Levithan