Word Pronunciation & Dictionary

self-defeating

Word Rarity Rare

Frequency: 3.64 in modern English

Syllables
self--de-feat-ing
IPA
21
Scrabble Score
13
Letters
5
Syllables
10
Unique Chars

Meaning

adj

Containing elements that will cause it to fail; destined not to succeed by its very nature.

Example Sentences

Etymology

From self- + defeating (present participle of defeat).

Word Breakdown

Inflected Forms

more self-defeating (comparative) most self-defeating (superlative)

Phrases

Synonyms

Questions

What does self-defeating mean?
Containing elements that will cause it to fail; destined not to succeed by its very nature.
Where does self-defeating come from?
From self- + defeating (present participle of defeat).

How to pronounce self-defeating

  1. Open the pronunciation page — Open the Speakur entry for “self-defeating”.
  2. Read the phonetic spelling — Read the IPA spelling () so you know which sounds to aim for.
  3. Play the audio — Click Play to hear reference audio for “self-defeating”.
  4. Repeat and practice — Say “self-defeating” aloud, matching stress and vowels until it feels natural.