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

Huda is already wallowing in self-loathing after the challenge, but Chelley will not hear Huda’s apology right now or ever because this was a gross betrayal of the sisterhood. —Kathleen Walsh, Vulture, 2 July 2025

There are heavy emotions in every song, which she’s said stem in part from a breakup, an eating disorder and general anxiety and self-loathing; there are references to punching mirrors, stage fright, ego death, obsessing over body weight, even bodily functions. —Jem Aswad, Variety, 27 June 2025

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

Word History

First Known Use

1635, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for self-loathing

• loathing