Definitions

self-abasement

[self-uh-beys-muhnt, self-] / ˈsɛlf əˈbeɪs mənt, ˌsɛlf- /

NOUN

humiliation

Synonyms

STRONGEST

confusion degradation disgrace ignominy indignity shame

STRONG

abasement affront chagrin comedown comeuppance condescension discomfiture dishonor mortification put down resignation submission submissiveness

WEAK

humbling loss of face mental pain touché

Antonyms

STRONGEST

esteem honor respect

STRONG

resistance

WEAK

elevation flattery glorification praise success triumph

NOUN

humility

Synonyms

STRONGEST

shyness

STRONG

abasement bashfulness demureness diffidence docility lowliness meekness mortification nonresistance obedience obsequiousness passiveness reserve resignation self-abnegation servility sheepishness subjection submissiveness subservience timidity timorousness unobtrusiveness unpretentiousness

WEAK

fawning lack of pride

Antonyms

STRONG

boldness confidence

WEAK

arrogance assertiveness egoism pretentiousness pride self-importance

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

She cites an online tendency among women to wield the word as a tool of self-abasement — “I’m a mess, I choose chaos.”

From Salon • Jul. 10, 2025

Strong, as we know from his portrayal of Kendall Roy on “Succession,” has a talent for self-abasement.

From Los Angeles Times • May 9, 2024

Facing incessant doubts about his fitness for office, Mr. Walker tried self-abasement.

From New York Times • Dec. 7, 2022

Then again, self-abasement is nothing new for Mr. McCarthy.

From Washington Post • Nov. 12, 2021

There—and note the nice rising tricolon at the very outset— you can see a precise shaping of the speaker’s relationship with the audience, and a fastidious, slightly bogus, self-abasement.

From "Words Like Loaded Pistols" by Sam Leith

self-abasement

Example Sentences

Related Words