Self-pitying

Characterized by or exhibiting excessive self-pity; feeling sorry for oneself, especially to an exaggerated degree; dwelling on one's own misfortune or unhappiness, often to the exclusion of other considerations. Individuals demonstrating this trait tend to focus on perceived injustices or difficulties in their lives, frequently exaggerating the severity of their problems and wallowing in their own perceived suffering. This behavior can manifest as complaining, seeking excessive sympathy, or avoiding personal responsibility. The core feature is a persistent and unhealthy focus on one's own supposed victimhood, which hinders emotional growth and can strain relationships.

Self-pitying meaning with examples

• After losing the competition, Mark became self-pitying, spending days lamenting the unfairness of the judges' decisions. He refused to acknowledge his own shortcomings and kept replaying the perceived slights. This behavior pushed away his friends, who tired of his constant complaints and refusal to move on. His self-pity was, in effect, self-sabotage.
• Despite having a supportive family and friends, Emily adopted a self-pitying attitude when she faced a minor setback at work. She sent numerous emails complaining about the situation, emphasizing how unlucky she was, and demanding special treatment. This constant negativity created a tense atmosphere and alienated her colleagues who had their own workloads and stress.
• The character in the novel, though raised in wealth, consistently portrays herself as a victim, employing self-pitying tactics to manipulate others. She exaggerated minor inconveniences, framing them as insurmountable obstacles. Readers find her behavior frustrating, recognizing the deliberate orchestration of suffering to gain attention and sympathy, which she actively sought.
• Following the breakup, David’s friends found his behavior increasingly self-pitying. He constantly rehashed the situation, focusing on how poorly he had been treated. He refused to go out and engage in activities, choosing instead to isolate himself and endlessly analyze every perceived flaw in his ex-partner, missing opportunities for moving on and healing.