humiliation

[hyoo-mil-ee-ey-shuhn, yoo-]

noun

1. an act or instance of humiliating humiliating or being humiliated.

2. the state or feeling of being humiliated; mortification.

   Synonyms: dishonor, degradation

Other Word Forms

• rehumiliation noun
• self-humiliation noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of humiliation¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English, from Late Latin humiliātiōn- (stem of humiliātiō ). See humiliate, -ion

Synonym Study

See shame.

Example Sentences

Saturday's 73-0 record home humiliation against world champions South Africa is Wales' latest low point.

Read more on BBC

But stung by their humiliation on the battlefield, Sudan's generals were not ready to compromise.

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Kennedy stuck to that pledge, somewhat — but in a way that arguably intensifies the humiliation he has delivered to Cassidy since the confirmation vote.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

When people experience loss or humiliation, they become vulnerable to movements that offer simple villains and a sense of community.

Read more on Salon

In 424 B.C., he was exiled for 20 years after failing to block its advance—a humiliation that obliged him to reappear in his own narrative.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• confusion 
• degradation 
• disgrace 
• ignominy 
• indignity 
• shame