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

In the series’ end, Harry and his sometime school comrades and allied teachers and others, fight off said tormented self-loathing wizard as, simultaneously, fascistic muggles rise, opposing the mere existence of their kind. —Literary Hub, 18 Dec. 2025

That was the joy of the movie, the tone of that character with all that self-loathing. —Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 12 Dec. 2025

Rhea Seehorn is incredible as a self-loathing author Except Carol. —Bill Goodykoontz, AZCentral.com, 3 Dec. 2025

Finding the hard evidence first before jumping to conclusions saves a lot of self-loathing, unnecessary worry, relationship problems and time. —Cbs Miami Team, CBS News, 25 Nov. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1635, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for self-loathing

• loathing