self-deprecating
Americanadjective
adjective
Other Word Forms
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.
Vocabulary lists containing self-deprecating
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.
On “The View,” he was calm, self-deprecating at times and careful not to alienate outright.
From Salon • Jun. 17, 2026
Delevingne said she has used humour and being self-deprecating in the past but had to learn to take herself more seriously when it came to music, knowing that people will have preconceived ideas about her.
From BBC • Jun. 2, 2026
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
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
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.
