self-contradiction

American  

[self-kon-truh-dik-shuhn, self-] / ˈsɛlfˌkɒn trəˈdɪk ʃən, ˌsɛlf- /

noun

1. an act or instance of contradicting oneself or itself.

2. a statement containing contradictory elements.

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Other Word Forms

• self-contradicting
  adjective
• self-contradictory
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of self-contradiction

First recorded in 1650–60

Example Sentences

There are some forms of self-contradiction that threaten the reputation of legal theories and the judges who wield them.

From Seattle Times • Apr. 21, 2024

In her statement, Kim also said the wide criticism of her country's satellite launch was "self-contradiction" as the U.S. and other countries have already launched "thousands of satellites."

From Reuters • May 31, 2023

But when I read it, I realized all the things I thought were my flaws — the digressing, the self-contradiction — in Bernhard that was the writing.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 27, 2022

A symptom of that problem is frequent and inexplicable self-contradiction, which may happen often enough in life but muddies the logic of a shortish play.

From New York Times • Jun. 7, 2018

For in admitting any premise, we admit, no more than is contained in it; and if we only deny what is not contained in our admission, we are not involved in a self-contradiction, or absurdity.

From An Examination of President Edwards' Inquiry into the Freedom of the Will by Bledsoe, Albert Taylor