self-deprecating

American  

[self-dep-ri-key-ting, self-] / ˌsɛlfˈdɛp rɪˌkeɪ tɪŋ, ˌsɛlf- /

Also self-deprecatory

adjective

1. belittling or undervaluing oneself; excessively modest.

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self-deprecating British  

adjective

1. having a tendency to disparage oneself

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Other Word Forms

• self-deprecation
  noun
• self-deprecatingly
  adverb

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.

Example Sentences

On “The View,” he was calm, self-deprecating at times and careful not to alienate outright.

From Salon • Jun. 17, 2026

Awad had an unrelenting but self-deprecating sense of humor, and he loved his wife’s knafeh, the sweet, stretchy cheese Palestinian dessert.

From Los Angeles Times • May 22, 2026

James said Willis brings "a wealth of presenting experience and a natural warmth", while Widdicombe "had us all in stitches with his unique style of self-deprecating humour and razor-sharp wit".

From BBC • May 19, 2026

His appreciation for comedy was considerable, which isn’t a surprise in light of Ozu’s own self-deprecating reflections on life.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 30, 2026

She twirled a drumstick in her hand with an attitude that said she wasn’t in the mood to accept self-deprecating comments.

From "The First Rule of Punk" by Celia C. Pérez