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

One of the series’ most creative elements is the variety of scowls Graham deploys while arguing with Hezekiah, Mary, or his younger brother, Treacle (James Nelson-Joyce), a pragmatic family man who represents everything Sugar’s life could have been if he weren’t filled with so much self-loathing. —Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 9 Jan. 2026

There’s an aspect of self-loathing here that Visser leaves alone. —Dan Piepenbring, Harpers Magazine, 30 Dec. 2025

There’s something delicious about his cocktail of self-pity and self-loathing, which can arouse both the viewer’s repulsion and compassion. —Susie Goldsbrough, The Atlantic, 28 Dec. 2025

Gemini spirals Google’s Gemini model series has developed a reputation online for occasionally devolving into self-loathing. —Tharin Pillay, Time, 28 Dec. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1635, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for self-loathing

• loathing