self-deprecation

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

noun

1. 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.

Word History and Origins

Origin of self-deprecation¹

First recorded in 1840–45; self- ( def ) + deprecation ( def )

Example Sentences

So going into this game against Uruguay, there was none of the usual English self-deprecation.

From The 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.

From The Daily Beast

Then, in that interview, the Oscar nominee took the self-deprecation shtick beyond any reasonable expectation.

From The Daily Beast

Laid back and imbued with a healthy sense of self deprecation, Venezuelans occasionally take to the streets to protest.

From The Daily Beast

The demotic self-deprecation barely masks a vast ambition, which is a kind of deception in itself, or an artifice.

From The Daily Beast

This was a great self-deprecation; for Europe contained a thousand duchesses, and but one Felina.

From Project Gutenberg

Crowley said, his voice registering self-deprecation, "Over here."

From Project Gutenberg

"Oh no," said Sir Henry, with a gesture of self-deprecation.

From Project Gutenberg

And the Clapham bricklayer at once retired within his shell of humble self-deprecation.

From Project Gutenberg

The modesty and self-deprecation in the Michigan correspondence will attract notice.

From Project Gutenberg