noun
self-loathing
self-LOH-thing
Self-loathing (noun) means Intense hatred or disgust directed at yourself, going beyond ordinary self-criticism into contempt for who you are. Example: “The diaries record years of self-loathing he hid from everyone.”
noun
1
Intense hatred or disgust directed at yourself, going beyond ordinary self-criticism into contempt for who you are.
"The diaries record years of self-loathing he hid from everyone."
"Relapse was always followed by a wave of self-loathing."
adjective
1
Filled with hatred of yourself, or of a group you belong to.
"He wrote a self-loathing account of his years in the industry."
How to use self-loathing
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishHating yourself.
When to use it
Neutral and clinical enough for psychology writing, and common in memoir and criticism.
Common pairings
consumed by self-loathing
spiral of self-loathing
self-loathing and shame
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like self-loathing.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The diaries record years of _____ he hid from everyone.
Etymology
From self- + loathing.
Synonyms
View more →
self-hatred
self-disgust
self-contempt
self-hate
self-hating
Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for self-loathing
See all rhymes for self-loathing →Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between self-loathing and low self-esteem?
Low self-esteem is a poor opinion of your worth or abilities, and it can be quiet and comparative. Self-loathing is active hostility towards yourself, closer to hatred than to doubt, and it tends to attach to your whole identity rather than your performance.
Is self-loathing a mental illness?
It is not a diagnosis in itself, but it is a recognised feature of depression, eating disorders, complex trauma and addiction. Persistent self-loathing is a reason to seek help, since it rarely lifts on its own.
What is the opposite of self-loathing?
Self-acceptance is the truest opposite, since it means being at peace with yourself as you are. Self-love and self-esteem are near opposites, but they involve positive regard rather than simple absence of hatred.
What is the meaning of self-loathing?
"self-loathing" (noun) means intense hatred or disgust directed at yourself, going beyond ordinary self-criticism into contempt for who you are.
