Self-denigrating

Characterized by the act of belittling or disparaging oneself, often expressing low self-esteem or a lack of confidence. This behavior can manifest in various ways, including making negative comments about one's abilities, appearance, or worth; minimizing accomplishments; and frequently apologizing or seeking validation. It frequently involves attributing failures to internal flaws and successes to external factors, showcasing a distorted perception of self-value, possibly stemming from past experiences or psychological conditions. It can manifest in humorous self-deprecating jokes or more serious expressions of self-loathing.

Self-denigrating meaning with examples

• During the job interview, Sarah gave a self-denigrating response to a question about her experience. She downplayed her accomplishments, attributing them to luck, making her appear less confident and undermining her chances.
• In a moment of insecurity, Mark made a self-denigrating joke about his weight in front of his friends. While intended to be lighthearted, the comment revealed his underlying anxieties about his body image.
• After making a small mistake during the presentation, Emily’s reaction was self-denigrating. She immediately apologized profusely and started criticizing her own performance, which made her appear unsure and unprofessional.
• Despite winning the award, David’s acceptance speech was filled with self-denigrating remarks. He attributed his success to the efforts of others, rather than his own talent or hard work, leaving an impression of low self-worth.