ignoble

adjective

ig·​no·​ble ig-ˈnō-bəl 

1

: characterized by baseness, lowness, or meanness

2

: of low birth or common origin : plebeian

ignobility

ˌig-nō-ˈbi-lə-tē 

noun

ignobleness

ig-ˈnō-bəl-nəs 

noun

ignobly

ig-ˈnō-blē 

 also  -bə-lē

adverb

Did you know?

The word noble, in addition to referring to someone born to aristocratic ranks, can also be used to describe someone of outstanding character. That word first appeared in English in the 13th century, and its antonym, ignoble, came about two centuries later. Ignoble derives via Middle English and Middle French from the Latin prefix in- ("not") and the Old Latin gnobilis ("noble"). Originally, ignoble described someone born to common or plebeian origins, but by the late 16th century it had come to describe people of dishonorable character, or the actions performed by such people.

Synonyms

• baseborn
• common
• humble
• inferior
• low
• lowborn
• lower-class
• low-life
• lowly
• lumpen
• mean
• plebeian
• prole
• proletarian
• unwashed
• vulgar

Choose the Right Synonym for ignoble

mean, ignoble, abject, sordid mean being below the normal standards of human decency and dignity.

mean suggests small-mindedness, ill temper, or cupidity.

mean and petty satire

ignoble suggests a loss or lack of some essential high quality of mind or spirit.

an ignoble scramble after material possessions

abject may imply degradation, debasement, or servility.

abject poverty

sordid is stronger than all of these in stressing physical or spiritual degradation and abjectness.

a sordid story of murder and revenge

Examples of ignoble in a Sentence

an ignoble child who would one day grow up to be a prince among playwrights

such an ignoble act is completely unworthy of a military officer

Recent Examples on the Web

Larraín’s third subject, Maria Callas, despite being born to an ignoble family and having to face wartime poverty during the 1940s, was no stranger to the trappings of an empyrean existence, but in constantly having to live up to it, like Diana, her life met an untimely end. —Harrison Richlin, IndieWire, 15 Dec. 2024

Anything can happen, but polling trends increasingly suggest that the presidency of Donald Trump, which has itself seemed like an eternity to many, may be heading to its ignoble end. —Christopher R. Hill, Foreign Affairs, 19 June 2020

In fact, the abrupt and ignoble death of his fan-favorite character, the hunky werewolf Alcide Herveaux, early in the final season of the HBO show left him eager to make up for it. —Jessica Wang, EW.com, 13 Mar. 2024

Australia’s laissez-faire automobile attitude puts it in ignoble company. —Michael E. Miller, Washington Post, 13 Mar. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Middle French, from Latin ignobilis, from in- + Old Latin gnobilis noble

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2

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Kids Definition

ignoble

adjective

ig·​no·​ble ig-ˈnō-bəl 

1

: not of noble birth

2

: not noble or honorable

ignoble thoughts

ignoble conduct

ignobly

-blē 

adverb