indignity

noun

in·​dig·​ni·​ty in-ˈdig-nə-tē How to pronounce indignity (audio)
plural indignities
1
a
: an act that offends against a person's dignity or self-respect : insult
b
: humiliating treatment
2
obsolete : lack or loss of dignity or honor

Examples of indignity in a Sentence

He remembers all the indignities he had to suffer in the early years of his career. We must endure the indignities of growing old. He suffered the indignity of being forced to leave the courtroom. The indignity of it all was too much to bear.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The book is filled with similar anecdotes that capture the peculiar indignities of those catering to the whims of the most powerful people in the world. Charlie Warzel, The Atlantic, 22 Mar. 2025 Both win, so much so as to overcome scandals and investigations, public dignities and indignities, personal sensitivities and insensitivities, and survive no matter what. Brendan Quinn, The Athletic, 21 Mar. 2025 Back from a beach vacation and spared the indignity of having to coach the NBA All-Star Game, Michael Malone has another tricky decision at the top of his to-do list this week. Bennett Durando, The Denver Post, 19 Feb. 2025 Anyone who has suffered the indignity of a splinter, a blister, or a paper cut knows that small things can sometimes be hugely annoying. Nate Anderson, Ars Technica, 22 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for indignity

Word History

Etymology

Latin indignitat-, indignitas, from indignus

First Known Use

1581, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of indignity was in 1581

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Indignity.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/indignity. Accessed 12 Apr. 2025.

Kids Definition

indignity

noun
in·​dig·​ni·​ty in-ˈdig-nət-ē How to pronounce indignity (audio)
plural indignities
1
: an act that injures a person's dignity or self-respect : insult
2
: humiliating treatment

Legal Definition

indignity

noun
in·​dig·​ni·​ty in-ˈdig-nə-tē How to pronounce indignity (audio)
plural indignities
: persistent and intolerable behavior toward a spouse especially as a manifestation of settled estrangement

More from Merriam-Webster on indignity

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