ignoble

[ ig-noh-buhl ]

adjective

1. of low character, aims, etc.; mean; base:

   his ignoble purposes.

   Synonyms: contemptible, ignominious, dishonorable, degraded

   Antonyms: honorable

2. of low grade or quality; inferior.

   Antonyms: superior

3. not noble; of humble descent or rank.

   Synonyms: peasant, plebeian, obscure, lowly

4. Falconry. noting any hawk with short wings that chases or rakes after the quarry.

ignoble

/ ɪɡˈnəʊbəl /

adjective

1. dishonourable; base; despicable
2. of low birth or origins; humble; common
3. of low quality; inferior
4. falconry
   1. designating short-winged hawks that capture their quarry by swiftness and adroitness of flight Compare noble
   2. designating quarry which is inferior or unworthy of pursuit by a particular species of hawk or falcon

Derived Forms

• igˈnobly, adverb
• ˌignoˈbility, noun

Other Words From

• igno·bili·ty ig·noble·ness noun
• ig·nobly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of ignoble¹

1400–50; late Middle English < Latin ignōbilis unknown, inglorious, equivalent to in- in- ³ + OL gnōbilis ( Latin nōbilis ) noble

Word History and Origins

Origin of ignoble¹

C16: from Latin ignōbilis, from in- ¹+ Old Latin gnōbilis noble

Example Sentences

Despite her ignoble entry into the world, which she describes in her autobiography, Koofi rose to become the first female speaker of the Afghan Parliament and an influential politician.

From Ozy

Nothing like a former Communist country to show how to handle a problem—they have a long ignoble history of decisiveness.

From The Daily Beast

There was that innocently ignoble time Phoebe Buffay pretended she was a physician named Dr. Regina Phalange.

From The Daily Beast

America, and Americans, should reject “the doctrine of ignoble ease” that had emasculated the nation.

From The Daily Beast

But I certainly do believe that Bashar, if facing defeat, prefers guaranteed safe-passage into exile rather than an ignoble death.

From The Daily Beast

How ironic that his noble birth didn't keep him from stumbling over some very ignoble deeds.

From The Daily Beast

Noble ambition—worthy of a less ignoble cause—a better fate!

From Project Gutenberg

Why did she not insist on informing her husband at least of her cousin's lapse, of her ignoble stratagem?

From Project Gutenberg

He watches the budding of evil instincts, the ignoble habits idly acquired in degradation.

From Project Gutenberg

As there are many Corsican policemen on the Continent they use this euphemism to designate the ignoble calling they follow.

From Project Gutenberg

“Fine writing,” the subjection of noble words to ignoble service, is to be avoided.

From Project Gutenberg