Synonyms of self-pitynext
: pity for oneself
especially : a self-indulgent dwelling on one's own sorrows or misfortunes
self-pitying adjective
self-pityingly adverb

Examples of self-pity in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Those reflections on youthful passion contrast sharply with the Mozzer’s current state of self-pity. Jon Dolan, Rolling Stone, 6 Mar. 2026 Winning an Olympic gold medal with Team USA last month has undoubtedly helped his mood, but there’s also a level of maturity at this stage of his career — and life — that doesn’t leave much room for self-pity. Vincent Z. Mercogliano, New York Times, 2 Mar. 2026 Now 30, Varvarych was a bodybuilder and is still proud of his physique, refusing to show self-pity. Carol Guzy, NPR, 22 Feb. 2026 No self-pity in those four words, no performance of stoicism either—just the clean arithmetic of a life lived at full speed. Outside, 10 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for self-pity

Word History

First Known Use

1604, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of self-pity was in 1604

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Cite this Entry

“Self-pity.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/self-pity. Accessed 12 Mar. 2026.

Kids Definition

self-pity

noun
ˈself-ˈpit-ē
: pity for oneself
especially : too much attention to one's misfortunes
self-pitying
-ē-iŋ
adjective

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