self-reproach
Americannoun
noun
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of self-reproach
First recorded in 1770–80
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Young Hamlet, the prince of Denmark, is burdened with self-reproach, while old King Lear suffers from narcissism, vanity and madness.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jan. 9, 2026
Do you think all this self-reproach is useful, Mark?
From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 8, 2025
For dirty workers, these burdens include stigma, self-reproach, corroded dignity and shattered self-esteem.
From New York Times ● Aug. 13, 2021
Although guilt can motivate rectifying action, shame invites wallowing in self-reproach and self-criticism.
From Washington Post ● Jul. 6, 2021
At this point he had nothing to do but wait, and overwhelmed with self-reproach and worry, he began to creep and crawl over everything: walls, furniture, and ceiling,.
From "The Metamorphosis" by Franz Kafka
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
