self-loathing

noun

self-loath·​ing ˌself-ˈlō-ṯẖiŋ 

: 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

To begin with, Georgian writer-director George Sikharulidze’s debut feature places us mercilessly right into the last place on earth most of us would ever want to find ourselves: the lanky, concave frame and warped, self-loathing mindset of an incipient incel. —Jessica Kiang, Variety, 3 July 2024

As in swinging wildly between confidence and self-loathing, between ebullient belief and bitter recrimination. —Mary McNamara, Los Angeles Times, 28 June 2024

How does this letter writer stop spiraling into self-loathing, to the point of needing reassurance over minor mistakes? —Carolyn Hax, Washington Post, 20 June 2024

Grieving the loss of her wife and thoroughly unprepared for the reality of raising a child alone, Kris teeters on the edge of collapse, fumbling in a daze of alcohol, shame, and self-loathing. —Sarah Yang, Sunset Magazine, 17 June 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1635, in the meaning defined above