self-pity

American  

[self-pit-ee, self-] / ˌsɛlfˈpɪt i, ˈsɛlf- /

noun

1. pity for oneself, especially a self-indulgent attitude concerning one's own difficulties, hardships, etc..

   We must resist yielding to self-pity and carry on as best we can.

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self-pity British  

noun

1. the act or state of pitying oneself, esp in an exaggerated or self-indulgent manner

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Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• self-pityingly
  adverb
• self-pitying
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of self-pity

First recorded in 1615–25

Explanation

If you're completely focused on feeling bad about your own problems and complaints, you're feeling self-pity. Your self-pity can make it hard to appreciate that other people face more serious troubles than you do. When you feel sorry for yourself, or overly sad about the difficulties you face, you're indulging in self-pity. It's often easier to identify self-pity in other people than in yourself, partly because your own self-pity keeps your attention focused inward. Before the 17th century, pity and piety meant the same thing, "compassion, care, or tenderness." Today piety means "religious reverence."

Example Sentences

Self-pity is not an asset in the parts of New Jersey that Eddie, Ani and Jess call home.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 12, 2018

Self-pity won’t float a ballad if the vocalist doesn’t sound genuinely wounded.

From Washington Post • Feb. 9, 2017

Self-pity is always so helpful in situations like this.

From Slate • Jan. 6, 2016

Self-pity, self incrimination and remorse – Jones never made it sound so good.

From Time • Apr. 26, 2013

Self-pity, and what may be called spiritual laziness, is at the root of most of the self-torment in the world.

From The Freedom of Life by Call, Annie Payson