Self-disparagement

Self-disparagement is the act or practice of belittling or undervaluing oneself, one's abilities, or one's accomplishments. It involves expressing negative opinions or making self-deprecating remarks, often in an attempt to appear humble, seek reassurance, or manage social situations. While sometimes intended humorously, excessive Self-disparagement can negatively impact self-esteem and mental well-being, contributing to feelings of inadequacy and anxiety. It can manifest in various forms, from subtle self-criticism to overt denigration, and can be directed at one's physical appearance, intelligence, talents, or past behaviors.

Self-disparagement meaning with examples

• After giving a presentation, Sarah, known for her Self-disparagement, said, "I'm sure I stumbled over my words a dozen times; apologies to everyone for that awful performance." Despite receiving positive feedback, she focused on perceived flaws, showing a tendency to downplay her success and the impact of her work. This pattern often left her feeling self-conscious.
• During a casual conversation, John remarked, "I'm just the klutz of the group, so don't expect me to be able to help with this." He attributed an inability to a task to his own perceived clumsiness, ignoring his other valuable qualities. He downplayed the importance of his skills, constantly making jokes at his own expense and minimizing his competence, which, in turn, impacted his social standing.
• Mary, struggling with imposter syndrome, confessed, "I'm terrified of failing at this new job. I’m sure everyone will see that I don’t deserve this position and I was just lucky to get it." This form of Self-disparagement, rooted in self-doubt, created anxiety and made it difficult for her to embrace challenges, making her feel fraudulent despite her capabilities and experience.
• When praised for her creative artwork, Emily often deflected compliments with statements such as, "Oh, it's nothing special, anyone could have done it.". She downplayed her artistic talent and efforts, unable to accept positive feedback. It was part of her core behavior, consistently minimizing her achievements and avoiding genuine recognition, ultimately undermining her self-worth.