self-sabotage.

Behavior that undermines your own aims or interests, even when you want to succeed.

Use it for

Words that belong together

• a pattern of self-sabotage
• unconscious self-sabotage

On the page

Missing the interview became another instance of self-sabotage she could not easily explain.

Usage notes

Primary category: psychology / human behavior. Forms: usually uncountable; no ordinary plural. Writing functions: motivation, internal conflict, character. Commonness: moderately common. Established English; not a diagnosis.