self-deprecation

Also self-de·pre·ci·a·tion

[self-dep-ri-key-shuhn, self-]

noun

1. the act or habit of belittling or undervaluing oneself; excessive modesty, often as a form of humor.

   There’s no need for self-deprecation—you're doing fine and shouldn’t be worried about your shortcomings.

   At the luau, the Hawaiian chief's deadpan delivery, self-deprecation, and gentle mockery of tourists was hilarious.

Word History and Origins

Origin of self-deprecation¹

First recorded in 1840–45; self- ( def. ) + deprecation ( def. )