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

Derived Forms

• self-deprecatingly
  adverb
• self-deprecation
  noun

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

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

Streams that began as focused chess sessions gradually loosened into something more freewheeling, with Raina interspersing gameplay with jokes and self-deprecating commentary, often engaging directly with the live chat.

From BBC • Apr. 10, 2026

Her writing was still as funny and self-deprecating as ever.

From "Ready Player One: A Novel" by Ernest Cline