self-inflicted

adjective

self-in·​flict·​ed ˌself-in-ˈflik-təd 

: inflicted or caused by oneself

a self-inflicted wound

His staff problems are self-inflicted, the product of his poor judgment and bad choices.

—The Guardian (United Kingdom)

Examples of self-inflicted in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Bolsonaro’s uphill battle Many of the troubles Bolsonaro has faced are self-inflicted. — Mauricio Savarese, Los Angeles Times, 27 July 2026

Decline is often self-inflicted, not externally imposed, and unfolds in five stages — each detectable and each reversible if leaders recognize and confront reality early. — Clifford Hudson, Forbes.com, 20 July 2026

Standing in the way is not just the tax-resistant nature of the region, however, but some troubling issues emerging within the county government — some of them self-inflicted. — Michael Smolens, San Diego Union-Tribune, 28 June 2026

Northamptonshire Police dropped the murder inquiry in February, saying Brown's death was likely self-inflicted. — Louis Casiano, FOXNews.com, 26 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1600, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for self-inflicted

• contradicted
• interdicted
• unrestricted
• addicted
• afflicted
• conflicted
• constricted
• convicted
• depicted
• evicted
• inflicted
• predicted

Kids Definition

self-inflicted

adjective

self-in·​flict·​ed

ˌsel-fin-ˈflik-təd

: inflicted by oneself

a self-inflicted wound

Medical Definition

self-inflicted

adjective

self-in·​flict·​ed -in-ˈflik-təd 

: inflicted by oneself

a self-inflicted wound