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

Awad had an unrelenting but self-deprecating sense of humor, and he loved his wife’s knafeh, the sweet, stretchy cheese Palestinian dessert.

From Los Angeles Times • May 22, 2026

James said Willis brings "a wealth of presenting experience and a natural warmth", while Widdicombe "had us all in stitches with his unique style of self-deprecating humour and razor-sharp wit".

From BBC • May 19, 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

His midround chats with Jennings have revealed a self-deprecating wit and interests so quirky they’re cool—chasing eclipses, writing in italics, driving around with his trivia friends looking for a rare goose.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 21, 2026

"Likable. He has a sort of self-deprecating humor naturally," says Haymitch.

From "The Hunger Games" by Suzanne Collins