humbling

American  

[huhm-bling, uhm-] / ˈhʌm blɪŋ, ˈʌm- /

adjective

1. causing a person to feel less proud, especially through awe, admiration, or gratitude.

   This project has involved some exceptionally talented people and it’s been a humbling experience to work with them.

2. lowering a person’s status, power, dignity, confidence, etc..

   The 26:2 vote in favor of their opponents was indeed a humbling defeat.

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noun

1. the act of affecting a person or thing in any of these ways, or the experience of being so affected.

   The Magna Carta marked the restoration of Anglo-Saxon freedom and the humbling of Norman tyranny.

Other Word Forms

• humblingly adverb
• self-humbling adjective

Etymology

Origin of humbling

First recorded in 1540–50; humbl(e) ( def. ) + -ing ² ( def. ) for the adjective senses; humbl(e) ( def. ) + -ing ¹ ( def. ) for the noun sense

Example Sentences

As film star owners watched on, it was a video screen that brought a cruel dose of reality to a fantastic FA Cup tie and ensured Chelsea avoided a humbling fifth-round exit.

From BBC • Mar. 7, 2026

He referred to the Fed’s humbling misjudgment in 2021, when it dismissed a surge in inflation as likely to be temporary.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 6, 2026

He described the day the recall against him qualified for the ballot amid the COVID-19 pandemic as humbling and humiliating, though it later failed by a wide margin.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 15, 2026

With the Spanish cup their best chance of silverware this season it has seemed that Atletico have lacked some focus in La Liga, and that was reflected in this humbling by their city rivals.

From Barron's • Feb. 15, 2026

No doubt he meant for it to be humbling, but Tyrion enjoyed the needlework.

From "A Dance with Dragons" by George R. R. Martin

Related Words

• contempt
• degradation
• dishonor
• disrespect
• humiliation
• ignominy
• opprobrium
• reproach
• scorn
• stigma