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self-defeating

/sɛlf.dɛfˈeɪ.tɪŋ/ · self.de.feat.ing
adjective
  1. Characterized by or causing one's own failure or defeat. Her self-defeating attitude towards public speaking held her back from pursuing a career in acting.
noun
  1. A behavior or attitude that leads to one's own failure or defeat. Her self-defeating tendencies in relationships made it difficult for her to form lasting connections.
Did you know? The concept of self-defeating behaviors has been studied extensively in psychology, with researchers identifying common patterns and strategies for overcoming such tendencies.
Written by Lexi Wordsworth, Dictionary Editor 1 lookups Added Jul 26, 2026