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.
On “The View,” he was calm, self-deprecating at times and careful not to alienate outright.
From Salon ● Jun. 17, 2026
Though music was at its heart, stand-up comedian Emily Catalano opened the show, and Bird himself invoked humor throughout his set, slipping self-deprecating quips and confessional anecdotes about each lyric’s meaning in between songs.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 16, 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
Amid the self-deprecating humour and romp through history, the King landed some hard arguments.
From BBC ● Apr. 29, 2026
He practiced a droll self-deprecating expression and a halting delivery in front of the bathroom mirror for a while.
From "Half of a Yellow Sun" by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
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.
