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
As a whole, Kennedy’s doc, which is seeking distribution, is a raw behind-the-scenes look at a polarizing public figure who often hides behind wrath or self-deprecation.
—Addie Morfoot, Variety, 10 Nov. 2025
Some may read this intro and roll their eyes, arguing that Lawrence’s patented self-deprecation and casual dorkiness are a big act.
—Tim Grierson, Vulture, 8 Nov. 2025
The public initially adored Lawrence due to her candid interviews, which stemmed from her self-deprecation, allowing fans to connect with her.
—Armando Tinoco, Deadline, 27 Oct. 2025
The approach may affect his short-term playing availability and long-term real-life mobility, but Wentz’s self-deprecation on the subject is a snapshot of what has evolved.
—Alec Lewis, New York Times, 17 Oct. 2025
Making guardedness and affable self-deprecation part of her identity, Keaton was known for wearing turtlenecks, gloves, and hats that kept her largely covered up, saving emotional vulnerability for her performances.
—Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 11 Oct. 2025
As if to preëmpt her detractors, Burnett often resorted to brutal self-deprecation, describing herself in interviews as scrawny or bucktoothed.
—Rachel Syme, New Yorker, 29 Sep. 2025
Apatow’s descriptions of these early interviews are laced with self-deprecation and hero worship.
—Adrienne Lafrance, The Atlantic, 15 Sep. 2025
Carpenter — whose act fits nicely into the contemporary wave of ubiquitous young woman pop singers, though works subversively, even subtly, against the mold — loaded her set with the winks, bumps, put-downs and self-deprecations that dance across her albums.
—Christopher Borrelli, Chicago Tribune, 4 Aug. 2025
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Addie Morfoot, Variety, 10 Nov. 2025
Some may read this intro and roll their eyes, arguing that Lawrence’s patented self-deprecation and casual dorkiness are a big act.
—Tim Grierson, Vulture, 8 Nov. 2025
The public initially adored Lawrence due to her candid interviews, which stemmed from her self-deprecation, allowing fans to connect with her.
—Armando Tinoco, Deadline, 27 Oct. 2025
The approach may affect his short-term playing availability and long-term real-life mobility, but Wentz’s self-deprecation on the subject is a snapshot of what has evolved.
—Alec Lewis, New York Times, 17 Oct. 2025
Making guardedness and affable self-deprecation part of her identity, Keaton was known for wearing turtlenecks, gloves, and hats that kept her largely covered up, saving emotional vulnerability for her performances.
—Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 11 Oct. 2025
As if to preëmpt her detractors, Burnett often resorted to brutal self-deprecation, describing herself in interviews as scrawny or bucktoothed.
—Rachel Syme, New Yorker, 29 Sep. 2025
Apatow’s descriptions of these early interviews are laced with self-deprecation and hero worship.
—Adrienne Lafrance, The Atlantic, 15 Sep. 2025
Carpenter — whose act fits nicely into the contemporary wave of ubiquitous young woman pop singers, though works subversively, even subtly, against the mold — loaded her set with the winks, bumps, put-downs and self-deprecations that dance across her albums.
—Christopher Borrelli, Chicago Tribune, 4 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Self-deprecation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/self-deprecation. Accessed 2 Dec. 2025.
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