indignant
Americanadjective
adjective
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of indignant
First recorded in 1580–90; from Latin indignant- (stem of indignāns, present participle of indignārī “to deem unworthy, take offense”), equivalent to in- in- 3 + dign-, stem of dignus “worthy” + -ant- -ant
Explanation
When you're indignant, you're angry about an unfair situation. If you discovered that a teacher gave ten extra points on a test to all students who sat in the front row, you'd be indignant. Indignant is from Latin indignus "unworthy," and it refers to anger based on unworthy or unfair behavior rather than merely injury to one's own interests. You may be angry, even furious, if someone shoves you, but you are indignant if the shove is directed at someone weak or helpless. The related noun is indignation, and something that arouses indignation is an indignity.
Vocabulary lists containing indignant
The SAT: Words to Capture Tone, List 1
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The Outsiders
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The New SAT: Words to Capture Tone
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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.
But let’s assume that “Michael” could be the restorative justice that the Jackson estate and his indignant fans hope it will be.
From Salon ● Apr. 25, 2026
Prosecutors said they were unaware the defendant had been deported to Ecuador and victims were left indignant, as much of the loot has not been recovered.
From Los Angeles Times ● Feb. 24, 2026
It’s understandable that grads might feel indignant about employer demands after having earned stellar GPAs for little effort and mediocre work.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Nov. 9, 2025
When the charges were dismissed earlier this year for lack of evidence, Caroline said she was "indignant and disgusted".
From BBC ● Oct. 3, 2025
Constance was indignant, but there was no time for a full-blown argument to develop, for just then the children’s escorts arrived.
From "The Mysterious Benedict Society" by Trenton Lee Stewart
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.
