Dictionary.com
Thesaurus.com

self-loathing

American  
[self-loh-thing] / ˈsɛlfˈloʊ ðɪŋ /

noun

  1. disgust with oneself; the feeling that one is detestable.

    Consumed by my own self-loathing, I thought I deserved nothing.


adjective

  1. feeling or expressing disgust with oneself.

    In my insecure and self-loathing mind, I figured she’d probably given me her number with no intention of ever going out with me.

Etymology

Origin of self-loathing

self- ( def. ) + loathing ( def. )

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.

I too had done horrible things to quench my self-loathing.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 23, 2026

But he is also so paranoid, deluded and consumed with self-loathing that throughout this caustically witty novel we can’t help but root for him every step of the way.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 2, 2026

Butler’s Hank is dog-paddling through life: a self-loathing failure just trying to keep his head above water.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 28, 2025

Amy describes Clifford as a man filled with hatred, self-loathing, and a deep insecurity.

From BBC • Jun. 26, 2025

And along with shame and self-loathing another hurt was healing.

From "Middlesex: A Novel" by Jeffrey Eugenides