Dictionary.com
Thesaurus.com

self-loathing

American  
[self-loh-thing] / ˈsɛlfˈloʊ ðɪŋ /

noun

  1. disgust with oneself; the feeling that one is detestable.

    Consumed by my own self-loathing, I thought I deserved nothing.


adjective

  1. feeling or expressing disgust with oneself.

    In my insecure and self-loathing mind, I figured she’d probably given me her number with no intention of ever going out with me.

Etymology

Origin of self-loathing

self- ( def. ) + loathing ( def. )

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.

Steve describes losing hours to online clips and feeling self-loathing; he views it as an epidemic among retirees.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 12, 2026

Fearing he’s a has-been, the diminutive, balding Hart slowly succumbs to self-loathing.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 17, 2025

This deservedly anticipated “Frankenstein” transforms that loneliness into stunning tableaux of Victor and his immortal Creature tethered together by their mutual self-loathing.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 16, 2025

Amy describes Clifford as a man filled with hatred, self-loathing, and a deep insecurity.

From BBC • Jun. 26, 2025

His loathing of his father kept circling back to self-loathing.

From "The Serpent King" by Jeff Zentner