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.
That the short story wasn’t focused on gay self-loathing or repression appealed to director Hermanus, as well as how the film treats the relationship between Lionel and David with a casualness that belies its potentially upsetting subject matter. Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 22 May 2025 At the first sign of conflict, this regime will collapse into a pile of overwhelming angst and self-loathing. Jennie Egerdie, New Yorker, 21 May 2025 Mother’s Day used to bring feelings of angst that would quickly morph into self-loathing. Elizabeth Ayoola, Essence, 16 May 2025 They’re made to live as subjects of revulsion by day and secret objects of desire by night, all while risking sudden turns toward brutality born from vulnerable self-loathing. Siddhant Adlakha, Variety, 15 May 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

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Cite this Entry

“Self-loathing.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/self-loathing. Accessed 6 Jun. 2025.

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