self-loathing

noun

self-loath·​ing ˌself-ˈlō-ṯẖiŋ How to pronounce self-loathing (audio)
: loathing of oneself : self-hatred
acting out of fear and self-loathing
… the idea that the self-absorption and egotism of the narcissist are a pose to mask their opposite: a deep well of self-loathing and low self-esteem.Jeffrey Kluger
self-loathing adjective
… his life as a self-loathing sensualist, an incautious but easily damaged artist … A. L. Kennedy
… stars as a self-loathing English writer who writes Hollywood sitcoms for his actress wife … Giselle Benatar

Examples of self-loathing 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.
There’s rage and violence, self-loathing and self-sabotage. Book Marks june 12, Literary Hub, 12 June 2025 As Angie's self-loathing grew louder, the house began to change. Zackery Cuevas, PC Magazine, 8 June 2025 The point is not to become your biggest critic, start self-loathing or feel guilty. Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 4 June 2025 But they're all ruled by hate, self-loathing, narcissistic, mangled lives. Matt Cabral, EW.com, 2 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for self-loathing

Word History

First Known Use

1635, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of self-loathing was in 1635

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Cite this Entry

“Self-loathing.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/self-loathing. Accessed 22 Jun. 2025.

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