self-deprecation
noun
self-dep·re·ca·tion
ˌself-de-pri-ˈkā-shən 
plural self-deprecations
: disparagement or undervaluation of oneself
On-camera and off, cheerful self-deprecation is the key to Hugh Grant's formidable charm.—
Leah Rozen
Leah RozenComedy is about self-deprecation, about showing vulnerability.—David Moore
David MooreExamples of self-deprecation in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
While well-intentioned, this self-deprecation can damage your credibility and create awkwardness.
—Melody Wilding, Forbes, 4 Mar. 2025
Nothing is more disarming than a little self-deprecation.
—Stephanie Nolasco, Fox News, 3 Mar. 2025
By Judy Berman March 2, 2025 11:40 PM EST
No one does self-deprecation like Conan O’Brien.
—Judy Berman, TIME, 3 Mar. 2025
This was once normal until apology and self-deprecation became the guiding spirits of America’s approach to the world under former Presidents Barack Obama and Joe Biden.
—Hugo Gurdon, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 28 Feb. 2025
Among the special’s finest moments is when Gadsby considers an exit from comedy, or, rather, closing the chapter on an era of comedy that foregrounded self-deprecation over healing.
—Will Digravio, TIME, 21 Feb. 2025
Kirke uses self-deprecation and tenderness to reminisce in her writing on the ways her childhood shaped her and her famous sisters (Jemima became an actress best known for her role on Girls; Domino is a singer turned doula and is married to actor Penn Badgley).
—Seija Rankin, The Hollywood Reporter, 30 Jan. 2025
Goose’s humor is a blend of clever wordplay, observational comedy, and a dash of self-deprecation.
—Eric Fuller, Forbes, 23 Jan. 2025
Her brand of self-deprecation, brutal honesty and sharp wit has elevated her to stardom and changed her life.
—Ali Lerman, Los Angeles Times, 2 Jan. 2025
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Melody Wilding, Forbes, 4 Mar. 2025
Nothing is more disarming than a little self-deprecation.
—Stephanie Nolasco, Fox News, 3 Mar. 2025
By Judy Berman March 2, 2025 11:40 PM EST
No one does self-deprecation like Conan O’Brien.
—Judy Berman, TIME, 3 Mar. 2025
This was once normal until apology and self-deprecation became the guiding spirits of America’s approach to the world under former Presidents Barack Obama and Joe Biden.
—Hugo Gurdon, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 28 Feb. 2025
Among the special’s finest moments is when Gadsby considers an exit from comedy, or, rather, closing the chapter on an era of comedy that foregrounded self-deprecation over healing.
—Will Digravio, TIME, 21 Feb. 2025
Kirke uses self-deprecation and tenderness to reminisce in her writing on the ways her childhood shaped her and her famous sisters (Jemima became an actress best known for her role on Girls; Domino is a singer turned doula and is married to actor Penn Badgley).
—Seija Rankin, The Hollywood Reporter, 30 Jan. 2025
Goose’s humor is a blend of clever wordplay, observational comedy, and a dash of self-deprecation.
—Eric Fuller, Forbes, 23 Jan. 2025
Her brand of self-deprecation, brutal honesty and sharp wit has elevated her to stardom and changed her life.
—Ali Lerman, Los Angeles Times, 2 Jan. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Self-deprecation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/self-deprecation. Accessed 13 Mar. 2025.
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