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.
Looked lost in the snow in a 35-10 loss to Buffalo with the indignity of losing a fumble when the ball slipped out of his hand while attempting to pass. Jerry McDonald, The Mercury News, 8 Dec. 2024 As our protagonist makes his flight from bondage along the Mississippi River, dodging slavers, sailing alongside an unrecognizable Huck, indignities continue to accumulate, hardening James, until violent delights culminate in delightfully violent ends. The Atlantic, 4 Dec. 2024 But despite the indignity of the restoration - the noise, plastic sheeting and metal bars - the majesty of Notre Dame is undeniable. Joseph Ataman, CNN, 30 Nov. 2024 Eat the sandwich open-faced, by hand, or submit to the mannered indignities of a fork and knife. Helen Rosner, The New Yorker, 28 Nov. 2024 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

Dictionary Entries Near indignity

Cite this Entry

“Indignity.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/indignity. Accessed 22 Dec. 2024.

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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