: tending or serving to belittle or disparage oneself
a self-denigrating joke
As Nicholas, post-divorce, confronts a compositional writer's block, Hazel morphs into a sad, self-denigrating divorcee.—Karen Campbell

Examples of self-denigrating in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
For example, a therapist might help your child reframe self-denigrating thoughts, address difficult feelings, and find coping and assertiveness skills. — Brittany Vargas, Peoplemag, 18 Apr. 2023

Word History

First Known Use

1958, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of self-denigrating was in 1958

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Cite this Entry

“Self-denigrating.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/self-denigrating. Accessed 4 Oct. 2026.

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