self-reproach

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'self-reproach' is correct and usable in written English.
You could use it when referring to the feeling of guilt or regret in relation to one's own actions or decisions. For example, “He felt a deep sense of self-reproach for not having confronted the problem earlier.”.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Self-reproach for being a corporate gangsta?

The New York Times - Books

Trips to bookshops become orgies of self-reproach and humiliation.

The Guardian - Books

Stealing from her son sent Cleveland into a spiral of self-reproach, and damaged their relationship.

The New Yorker

He feels a rush of self-reproach, before commanding himself to be still and listen.

The New Yorker

When Dickey replied sternly to this attack, though, Wright collapsed into contrition and self-reproach.

The New Yorker

When Canning extricated Britain from its European commitments, Wellington was left to bitter self-reproach.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In general, the life of a middling-successful car salesman fills him with self-reproach.

The New York Times

What often results is a particular kind of self-reproach that might be called museum guilt.

The New York Times - Travel

Mr. Strathairn delivers these lines with a weary self-reproach that suffuses all the performances.

The New York Times

The Postscript implies that her lover has, in effect, condemned her to this bitter self-reproach.

The Guardian - Books

He provoked admiration and astonishment; also suspicion, envy and self-reproach.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "self-reproach" to convey a deep sense of regret and self-condemnation for one's actions, particularly when the focus is on internal feelings rather than external consequences.

Common error

Avoid using "self-reproach" when simply expressing mild disappointment. Reserve it for situations involving genuine feelings of guilt and self-condemnation. Use "regret" or "remorse" for milder cases.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "self-reproach" functions primarily as a noun, referring to the act of blaming or condemning oneself. Ludwig examples show it used to describe feelings of guilt and regret about one's actions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Encyclopedias

8%

Science

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

"Self-reproach" is a commonly used noun phrase expressing blame or condemnation directed at oneself, often due to feelings of guilt or regret. Ludwig AI confirms that the term is correct and usable in written English. The phrase appears most frequently in news and media, encyclopedias, and science contexts, indicating a neutral to formal register. When using "self-reproach", ensure it accurately reflects a deep sense of regret and self-condemnation, distinguishing it from milder forms of "regret". Synonyms include "remorse", "compunction", and "self-condemnation", each carrying slightly different nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

self-condemnation

Emphasizes the act of judging oneself harshly, differing slightly in its focus on the judgmental aspect.

remorse

Highlights the deep regret and sorrow felt for wrongdoing, with a stronger emotional intensity.

compunction

Suggests a feeling of guilt or moral scruple that prevents or follows the doing of something bad, focusing on moral unease.

self-reproof

Focuses on the act of correcting or rebuking oneself, implying a more deliberate and controlled self-criticism.

guilt

Directly expresses the feeling of having done something wrong, lacking the reflective aspect of "self-reproach".

contrition

Emphasizes sincere remorse and repentance, often in a religious context.

self-blame

Directly assigns responsibility for a negative outcome to oneself, lacking the emotional depth of "self-reproach".

pang of conscience

Describes a sudden feeling of guilt or regret, highlighting the sharpness and immediacy of the feeling.

feeling of regret

Focuses on the sorrow felt about past actions or decisions, without necessarily implying self-condemnation.

sense of shame

Highlights the feeling of humiliation or disgrace associated with one's actions, differing in its emphasis on social perception.

FAQs

How is "self-reproach" used in a sentence?

"Self-reproach" typically functions as a noun. Example: "He was filled with self-reproach after realizing the consequences of his actions."

What's the difference between "self-reproach" and "remorse"?

"Self-reproach" is a feeling of blaming or condemning oneself, while "remorse" is deep regret or sorrow for a wrong committed. "Self-reproach" focuses on the self-condemnation aspect, while "remorse" centers on the sorrow felt.

Are there any synonyms for "self-reproach"?

Yes, synonyms include "remorse", "compunction", "self-reproof", and "self-condemnation". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "self-reproach" in writing?

Use "self-reproach" when you want to emphasize a strong sense of self-condemnation or blame following an action or decision that one deeply regrets. It's most fitting in contexts involving moral or ethical failings.