humiliation
Americannoun
-
an act or instance of humiliating or being humiliated.
-
the state or feeling of being humiliated; mortification.
- Synonyms:
- dishonor, degradation
Related Words
See shame.
Other Word Forms
- rehumiliation noun
- self-humiliation noun
Etymology
Origin of humiliation
First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English, from Late Latin humiliātiōn- (stem of humiliātiō ). See humiliate, -ion
Explanation
Humiliation describes a strong feeling of embarrassment or mortification — like that time in sixth grade when your mother wiped your face and called you "honey bunny" in front of all your friends. Humiliation comes from the Latin word humiliare, which means "to humble." So if you are caught in a situation that causes humiliation, you are humbled — with a loss of self-esteem and self-respect. If you become a politician, for example, and you campaign on a platform of family values, don't get caught cheating on your spouse; the public humiliation may be enough to drive you out of politics.
Vocabulary lists containing humiliation
"To Kill a Mockingbird" by Harper Lee, Chapters 1–6
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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.
The hurt and humiliation behind Hally’s eyes allow us to adopt Sam’s sympathetic attitude toward the boy, even as Beatty refuses to soften the character’s wrathful entitlement.
From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 17, 2026
Maybe it was the underbelly of all of the bravado and power-seeking—some desire to counter all the validation with the humiliation of knowing that, deep down, he’s just a revolting little worm.
From Slate • Apr. 15, 2026
Venkatesham and Lange will struggle to survive if Spurs suffer the humiliation of relegation, especially as they must take responsibility for the left-field appointment of Tudor.
From BBC • Apr. 12, 2026
But only the men who happen to pull on the jersey of the national soccer team have proven themselves capable of turning tragedy from high art into national humiliation.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 4, 2026
My words were airy, with no hint of the humiliation and spite stirring just under the surface.
From "The Red Car to Hollywood" by Jennie Liu
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
