self-contemptuous

A person looks at their reflection with a self-contradictory expression of self-contemptuous disappointment.

Definition

Adjective: Feeling or expressing contempt for oneself; characterized by a deep sense of worthlessness or self-hatred.

Usage Examples

• (She felt contempt for herself due to her perceived failure.)
• (He expressed contempt for himself verbally.)
• (The character was defined by self-hatred.)

Advanced Usage

• "a self-contemptuous laugh": a laugh that mocks oneself.

  • He let out a self-contemptuous laugh after realizing his mistake. (He laughed at himself scornfully.)

• "self-contemptuous silence": a state of quietness caused by self-loathing.

  • Her self-contemptuous silence during the conversation revealed her inner turmoil. (Her silence was rooted in contempt for herself.)

Variants and Related Words

• Self-contempt (noun): contempt directed at oneself.

  • His self-contempt prevented him from accepting compliments. (He felt contempt for himself.)

• Self-contemptuously (adverb): in a self-contemptuous manner.

  • She spoke self-contemptuously about her own achievements. (She spoke with self-hatred.)

Synonyms

• Self-loathing: intense dislike or hatred of oneself.
• Self-hating: expressing hatred for oneself.

Related Idioms

• To be one's own worst enemy: to act in ways that harm oneself, often due to self-contempt.

  • His self-contemptuous decisions made him his own worst enemy. (He sabotaged himself.)

• To kick oneself: to feel regret or contempt for one's own actions.

  • He kicked himself for the mistake, feeling self-contemptuous. (He blamed himself harshly.)