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.
He had a wonderful self-deprecating humour but when game-day came he was like a man possessed.
From BBC • May 17, 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
“We talked about our parties in self-deprecating ways. I thought, If we call out the bullshit of everybody on everybody’s side and have a real conversation, this could be interesting,” she said.
From Slate • Apr. 21, 2026
He is either self-deprecating or painfully honest about his capabilities right now, or perhaps a little of both.
From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 2, 2026
By middle school, I lost the will to be charming and self-deprecating about my faulty pores.
From "Americanized" by Sara Saedi
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.
