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

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

There’s an aspect of self-loathing here that Visser leaves alone. —Dan Piepenbring, Harpers Magazine, 23 Nov. 2025

The weight of that single sheet of paper pulled me down to new depths of shame and self-loathing. —Joe Garcia, New Yorker, 12 Oct. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1635, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for self-loathing

• loathing