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 was an engaging, funny and self-deprecating raconteur, ready with the quotable quip and the off-the-record gossip, which always assured him of an audience.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 13, 2026
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
Rhodes, who has appeared before his former law partner in court, has described her as "wickedly funny" although she can be self-deprecating about her sense of humour.
From BBC ● May 6, 2026
That’s when the self-deprecating voice in my head kicked in.
From "Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children" by Ransom Riggs
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.
