Self-belittlement

Self-belittlement is the act or practice of diminishing or undervaluing one's own abilities, qualities, accomplishments, or worth. It involves a consistent pattern of self-criticism, downplaying successes, emphasizing failures, and generally holding oneself in low regard. This behavior often stems from low self-esteem, negative self-perception, past experiences, or a fear of failure, rejection, or appearing boastful. It can manifest in various ways, including self-deprecating humor, minimizing achievements, or accepting negative feedback without protest, hindering personal growth and well-being.

Self-belittlement meaning with examples

• Despite winning the award, she engaged in self-belittlement by saying, 'It was just luck; anyone could have done it.' She immediately dismissed her accomplishment, preventing herself from savoring the achievement, a common manifestation of her insecurity.
• He consistently apologized for his opinions and suggestions during meetings, a clear sign of self-belittlement. He was afraid of appearing incorrect, preventing him from fully contributing to the team and expressing his unique perspective.
• She was praised for her artistic talent, but her self-belittlement caused her to focus solely on minor imperfections, blinding her to her genuine skill. This focus on flaws prevented her from enjoying the creative process.
• After receiving a promotion, he downplayed his hard work, attributing his success to external factors, showcasing his ingrained self-belittlement and preventing himself from accepting his true worth. This obscured the effort he put in.
• Her self-belittlement led her to shy away from leadership roles, feeling she was incapable of leading. This limited her potential as she consistently undervalued her capacity to influence and inspire others, restricting her personal growth.