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

“But if we indulge our own self-loathing, it can go down a road as dark and twisted as this.”

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 14, 2026

The blues “You’re Kind” features a self-loathing protagonist who dumps a lover who’s good to him.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 27, 2025

“It’s more of a self-effacing humor. Their favorite target is themselves. And John did that. On screen, I felt his willingness and joy in self-effacing humor that never really veered into self-loathing humor.”

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 8, 2025

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

From BBC • Jun. 26, 2025

Under the grotesque, magnificent shell with a face like Quasimodo’s, there was shame and self-loathing which had been planted there when he was tiny, by something which it is now too late to trace.

From "The Once and Future King" by T. H. White