self-depreciation: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal, academic, psychological
Quick answer
What does “self-depreciation” mean?
The act or habit of undervaluing or belittling oneself.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The act or habit of undervaluing or belittling oneself.
A psychological tendency to downplay one's own abilities, achievements, or worth, often as a form of modesty, defense mechanism, or symptom of low self-esteem.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Spelling: 'self-depreciation' is standard in both, but 'self-deprecation' is a common variant, especially in American English. The term 'self-deprecation' is more frequent in general usage.
Connotations
In British English, it may carry a slightly stronger association with psychological discourse. In American English, 'self-deprecation' is often linked to humor.
Frequency
Less common than 'self-deprecation' in both varieties, but understood. More likely found in formal or technical writing.
Grammar
How to Use “self-depreciation” in a Sentence
[Subject]'s self-depreciationa pattern of self-depreciationto display/show self-depreciationVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “self-depreciation” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- N/A - noun only
American English
- N/A - noun only
adverb
British English
- N/A - use 'self-depreciatingly'
American English
- N/A - use 'self-depreciatingly'
adjective
British English
- N/A - use 'self-depreciating'
American English
- N/A - use 'self-depreciating'
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Might be used in leadership/HR contexts discussing confidence issues: 'His constant self-depreciation undermined his authority in meetings.'
Academic
Common in psychology, sociology, and literary criticism: 'The study examined the link between social media use and self-depreciation in adolescents.'
Everyday
Uncommon in casual speech. More likely in reflective or advice contexts: 'I'm trying to move past my habit of self-depreciation.'
Technical
Used in clinical psychology and psychotherapy as a behavioral/cognitive concept.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “self-depreciation”
Strong
Neutral
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “self-depreciation”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “self-depreciation”
- Misspelling as 'self-deprecation' (though this is a valid variant). Confusing with 'self-deprecating humour' (which is specific and often positive). Using it as a verb (it's a noun).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
They are very close synonyms and often used interchangeably. 'Self-deprecation' is more common, especially regarding humor. 'Self-depreciation' can sound slightly more formal or technical, relating to value/worth.
In moderation, it can be seen as humility or modesty, which are socially positive. However, when excessive or chronic, it is typically viewed negatively as a sign of low self-esteem or a cognitive distortion.
It is a noun. The related adjective is 'self-depreciating' and the adverb is 'self-depreciatingly'.
It is most appropriate in formal, academic, or psychological contexts. In everyday conversation, simpler terms like 'putting yourself down' or 'being too hard on yourself' are more common.
The act or habit of undervaluing or belittling oneself.
Self-depreciation is usually formal, academic, psychological in register.
Self-depreciation: in British English it is pronounced /ˌself dɪˌpriːʃiˈeɪʃən/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌself dɪˌpriːʃiˈeɪʃən/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “To be one's own worst critic”
- “To sell oneself short”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: SELF + DEPRECIATION (like a car losing value). You are treating your own worth like a car that's losing its value.
Conceptual Metaphor
SELF IS AN ASSET/WORTH that is being devalued or written down.
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is CLOSEST in meaning to 'self-depreciation'?