self-condemnation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "self-condemnation" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the act of criticizing or blaming oneself for one's actions or thoughts. Example: "His self-condemnation was evident as he reflected on his past mistakes."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Books

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

29 human-written examples

Many such bursts of articulacy serve for self-condemnation.

The Guardian - Books

It allows me to accept criticism without self-condemnation and to accept affirmations without exalting myself.

The New York Times

After the self-condemnation by so many Giants, Sehorn tried to rationalize the defense's bad game.

The New York Times - Sports

With Gray there's always self-mockery or self-condemnation, or at very least self-disgust.

The Guardian - Books

There is a feeling of self-condemnation unless one can offer one's energies to those who have suffered".

The New York Times - Science

One of these stories may have been shaped by a man's sense of his innate decency, the other by a tendency toward self-condemnation.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

31 human-written examples

As a coach, I have witnessed the shackles of shame release from many hearts that were bound by self condemnation.

Huffington Post

The most extreme form of this behavior may be expressed as total inadequacy, self condemnation and depressive responses.

WikiHow

Self-righteous condemnation of, for example, the recent gay marriages cannot therefore be regarded as truly Christian.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Playing to the baying mob on a safe ticket of self-righteous condemnation might just win a few seats.

The Guardian

When I fall into discussions with woebegone investors in WorldCom and other infamous companies, I hear self-righteous condemnations of cooked books, manipulated earnings and analyst/company collusions.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about personal struggles, use "self-condemnation" to convey a sense of deep internal criticism and blame. Be mindful of the intensity, as it implies a strong negative self-assessment.

Common error

Avoid using "self-condemnation" when you mean to express healthy self-reflection or a desire for improvement. "Self-condemnation" implies excessive negativity and can be debilitating, whereas constructive self-criticism aims at positive change.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "self-condemnation" functions primarily as a noun, often acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes the act of condemning oneself. As Ludwig AI highlights, it describes the act of criticizing or blaming oneself for one's actions or thoughts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Books

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "self-condemnation" describes a state of intense and often destructive self-blame. As a noun phrase, it functions to express deep internal criticism and negative self-assessment. Ludwig AI confirms the usability and meaning of the expression. While grammatically correct, it’s important to use it judiciously, distinguishing it from constructive self-criticism. Related phrases like "self-reproach" and "self-blame" offer similar but nuanced alternatives. Its frequency is common, often appearing in News & Media, books, and scientific contexts, indicating a neutral to formal register. Ludwig's examples demonstrate its utility in expressing significant internal conflict and regret.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

self-reproach

Focuses on blaming oneself, similar to self-condemnation but can imply a milder form of criticism.

self-blame

Directly indicates assigning blame to oneself, highlighting the responsibility aspect.

self-criticism

Emphasizes the act of critically evaluating oneself, potentially leading to self-condemnation.

self-deprecation

Involves belittling or undervaluing oneself, often publicly, which can stem from self-condemnation.

guilt

Focuses on the feeling of remorse and responsibility for wrongdoing, often a consequence of self-condemnation.

remorse

Highlights deep regret and sorrow for past actions, closely linked to self-condemnation.

compunction

Indicates a feeling of guilt or moral scruple that prevents or follows the doing of something bad, related to self-condemnation.

contrition

Emphasizes sincere remorse and repentance for sins or offenses, a stronger form of regret associated with self-condemnation.

penitence

Focuses on the action of feeling or showing sorrow and regret for having done something wrong and being willing to atone for it; this is a more formal version of "self-condemnation".

self-castigation

Suggests a severe and public self-criticism, a more intense version of self-condemnation.

FAQs

How can I use "self-condemnation" in a sentence?

"Self-condemnation" is typically used to describe a state of intense self-blame and criticism. For example: "His "self-condemnation" was evident after the mistake." It often implies a harsh and unforgiving assessment of oneself.

What's the difference between "self-condemnation" and "self-criticism"?

"Self-condemnation" suggests a deeply negative and often destructive self-assessment, while "self-criticism" can be a more balanced and constructive evaluation aimed at personal improvement. The former often leads to feelings of worthlessness, while the latter can promote growth.

What can I say instead of "self-condemnation"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "self-reproach", "self-blame", or "guilt". Each carries a slightly different nuance but conveys a similar sense of negative self-assessment.

When is it appropriate to use the term "self-condemnation"?

Use "self-condemnation" when you want to emphasize a strong, often excessive, and negative self-judgment. It's suitable when describing situations where someone is harshly blaming themselves, possibly to a destructive degree.