Dictionary.com
Thesaurus.com
Showing results for "humblebrag"
SEE ALSO:
Slang dictionary results for humblebrag.

humblebrag

American  
[huhm-buhl-brag] / ˈhʌm bəlˌbræg /
Or humble brag

noun

  1. a statement intended as a boast or brag but disguised by a humble apology, complaint, etc.


verb (used without object)

  1. to make such a disguised boast or brag.

    He's humblebragging about how tired he is from his world travels.

Usage

What does humblebrag mean? When you want to boast but pretend to be modest about it, or if you gripe about something most people would desire, you're humblebragging. The term, and practice, is especially common on social media. Example: Ugh, my phone is so old! I'm embarrassed to take it with me during my dates with supermodels and actors.

Other Word Forms

Etymology

Origin of humblebrag

First recorded in 2005–10; humble ( def. ) + brag ( def. )

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

It's one of the most common answers used in a job interview to spin the dreaded "What's your weakness?" into a humblebrag.

From BBC • Nov. 19, 2025

Let others brag and humblebrag, flex and ratio and hunt their enemies down — I’d take myself down, thank you very much.

From New York Times • Apr. 28, 2022

This is truly not intended as a humblebrag, but I noticed an uptick of these behaviors after Samuel realized that Gavin is a stronger reader despite being six months younger.

From Slate • Aug. 27, 2020

He has used Twitter to extend a hand across the void, not just humblebrag about himself.

From Washington Post • Apr. 9, 2020

Vocabulary.com logo
by dictionary.com

Look it up. Learn it forever.

Remember "humblebrag" for good with VocabTrainer. Expand your vocabulary effortlessly with personalized learning tools that adapt to your goals.

Take me to Vocabulary.com