self-deprecation: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal/Neutral
Quick answer
What does “self-deprecation” mean?
The act of belittling, undervaluing, or disparaging oneself.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The act of belittling, undervaluing, or disparaging oneself; modesty about one's own abilities or achievements.
A strategic, often socially accepted rhetorical style where one downplays one's own qualities, sometimes to appear humble, avoid arrogance, or elicit reassurance, but which can mask underlying insecurity or serve as a form of indirect self-presentation.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
More culturally embedded in British English as a conventional form of humour and social interaction. In American English, it can be perceived as less confident or even problematic in some professional contexts.
Connotations
UK: Often viewed positively as a sign of humility, wit, and lack of pretension. US: Can be seen as charming humility or, alternatively, as a lack of self-confidence or a reluctance to 'sell oneself'.
Frequency
More frequent in UK English, both in casual and public discourse (e.g., speeches by public figures).
Grammar
How to Use “self-deprecation” in a Sentence
[Subject]'s self-deprecationa sense/note/tone of self-deprecationto be full of self-deprecationto respond with self-deprecationVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “self-deprecation” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- He self-deprecates with such charm that you instantly warm to him.
- She has a tendency to self-deprecate whenever she receives a compliment.
American English
- He self-deprecates too much in meetings, which might undermine his authority.
- It's a common tactic to self-deprecate before delivering a bold proposal.
adverb
British English
- He laughed self-deprecatingly when he tripped on the step.
- She mentioned her award self-deprecatingly, as if it were no big deal.
American English
- He described his role in the project self-deprecatingly.
- She smiled self-deprecatingly after mixing up the names.
adjective
British English
- His self-deprecating humour was a hit at the dinner party.
- She offered a self-deprecating remark about her cooking skills.
American English
- He opened his talk with a self-deprecating joke about his accent.
- Her self-deprecating style can sometimes be misinterpreted as a lack of confidence.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Often cautioned against in job interviews or leadership pitches in US contexts, but can build rapport if used sparingly and humorously in team settings.
Academic
Used to describe a rhetorical style in literature or a cultural trait in anthropology/sociology.
Everyday
Common in social conversations to deflect praise or to tell an anecdote where one is the butt of the joke.
Technical
Rare in hard sciences; more relevant in psychology, communication studies, or literary analysis.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “self-deprecation”
Strong
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “self-deprecation”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “self-deprecation”
- Misspelling as 'self-depreciation' (which relates to financial value).
- Confusing it with 'self-deprecating' (the adjective).
- Using it in contexts of severe self-hatred.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Not necessarily. It can be a social strategy or humour style used by confident people. However, if it's excessive and non-humorous, it may indicate low self-esteem.
Yes, if overused, it can undermine your credibility, make others uncomfortable, or reinforce negative self-views. It's about context and dosage.
They are synonyms. 'Self-deprecating' is far more common in modern usage. 'Self-deprecatory' is slightly more formal/literary.
Use it as a noun, typically as the object of a verb (e.g., 'use self-deprecation', 'respond with self-deprecation') or after a preposition (e.g., 'a touch of self-deprecation').
The act of belittling, undervaluing, or disparaging oneself.
Self-deprecation is usually formal/neutral in register.
Self-deprecation: in British English it is pronounced /ˌself ˌdep.rəˈkeɪ.ʃən/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌself ˌdep.rəˈkeɪ.ʃən/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[To be one's] own worst critic”
- “To damn with faint praise (related concept)”
- “To hide one's light under a bushel (related concept)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'DEPRECATE' as in a software version being deprecated (phased out, made less valued). SELF-DEPRECATION is phasing out or devaluing YOURSELF.
Conceptual Metaphor
SELF IS AN OBJECT TO BE MINIMIZED/DOWNGRADED.
Practice
Quiz
In which cultural context is self-deprecation MOST ingrained as a positive social norm?