self-deprecation

[ self-dep-ri-key-shuhn, self- ]

/ ˌsɛlfˌdɛp rɪˈkeɪ ʃən, ˌsɛlf- /

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noun

the act or habit of belittling or undervaluing oneself; excessive modesty, often as a form of humor: There’s no need for self-deprecation—you're doing fine and shouldn’t be worried about your shortcomings.At the luau, the Hawaiian chief's deadpan delivery, self-deprecation, and gentle mockery of tourists was hilarious.

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His boss, whom he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

His boss, who he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

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Also self-de·pre·ci·a·tion [self-di-pree-shee-ey-shuhn, self-] /ˈsɛlf dɪˌpri ʃiˈeɪ ʃən, ˈsɛlf-/ .

Origin of self-deprecation

self- + deprecation

Words nearby self-deprecation

self-defense, self-deliverance, self-delusion, self-denial, self-deprecating, self-deprecation, self-depreciating, self-depreciation, self-destruct, self-destruction, self-destructive

How to use self-deprecation in a sentence

So going into this game against Uruguay, there was none of the usual English self-deprecation.
Uruguay’s Luis Suárez Puts Two Stakes Through England’s Heart|Tunku Varadarajan|June 19, 2014|DAILY BEAST
I looked at parts of it," he says, adding with wry self-deprecation, "I didn't see much benefit in comparing myself to Marlon.
New York’s Greatest Show Or How They Did Not Screw Up ‘Guys and Dolls’|Ross Wetzsteon|April 6, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Then, in that interview, the Oscar nominee took the self-deprecation shtick beyond any reasonable expectation.
Is Jennifer Lawrence Going Stir Crazy From ‘Hunger Games’ Hype?|Chris Lee|March 23, 2012|DAILY BEAST
Laid back and imbued with a healthy sense of self deprecation, Venezuelans occasionally take to the streets to protest.
Is Chavez Going Down?|Mac Margolis|February 9, 2011|DAILY BEAST

The demotic self-deprecation barely masks a vast ambition, which is a kind of deception in itself, or an artifice.
Palin Paranoia Decoded|Tunku Varadarajan|November 23, 2010|DAILY BEAST
This was a great self-deprecation; for Europe contained a thousand duchesses, and but one Felina.
The International Monthly, Volume 3, No. 1, April, 1851|Various
Crowley said, his voice registering self-deprecation, "Over here."
The Common Man|Guy McCord (AKA Dallas McCord Reynolds)
"Oh no," said Sir Henry, with a gesture of self-deprecation.
Peeps at People|John Kendrick Bangs
And the Clapham bricklayer at once retired within his shell of humble self-deprecation.
The Heart of a Woman|Emmuska Orczy, Baroness Orczy
The modesty and self-deprecation in the Michigan correspondence will attract notice.
The Writings of Henry David Thoreau, Volume VI, Familiar Letters|Henry David Thoreau