self-loathing

noun

self-loath·​ing ˌself-ˈlō-ṯẖiŋ How to pronounce self-loathing (audio)
: loathing of oneself : self-hatred
acting out of fear and self-loathing
… the idea that the self-absorption and egotism of the narcissist are a pose to mask their opposite: a deep well of self-loathing and low self-esteem.Jeffrey Kluger
self-loathing adjective
… his life as a self-loathing sensualist, an incautious but easily damaged artist … A. L. Kennedy
… stars as a self-loathing English writer who writes Hollywood sitcoms for his actress wife … Giselle Benatar

Examples of self-loathing in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
But Good Girl, an ambitious, often beautiful, yet bloated debut set against the backdrop of Germany’s growing anti-immigrant sentiment, wrestles with the knot of Nila’s self-loathing without ever quite undoing it. Jasmine Vojdani, Vulture, 13 Jan. 2025 The proudly backward were validated by self-loathing Western intellectuals, leading philosophers such as Michel Foucault who saw in the revolution a thrilling rebuke to liberal democracy when communism no longer was. Mariam Memarsadeghi, Newsweek, 13 Jan. 2025 Image The cheeky line was a foil for her postpartum depression, which manifested in a potent mix of self-loathing, apathy for her son and rage toward her husband. Maggie Lange, New York Times, 9 Jan. 2025 But most of us have probably experienced the letdown—perhaps even self-loathing—of failing to stick to a New Year’s resolution. Scott Gilbertson, WIRED, 1 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for self-loathing 

Word History

First Known Use

1635, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of self-loathing was in 1635

Dictionary Entries Near self-loathing

Cite this Entry

“Self-loathing.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/self-loathing. Accessed 19 Jan. 2025.

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