modesty

noun

mod·​es·​ty ˈmä-də-stē 

1

: the quality of not being too proud or confident about yourself or your abilities

She accepted the award with modesty.

2

: propriety in dress, speech, or conduct

The young man was known for his modesty.

Synonyms of modesty

• meekness
• humility
• humbleness
• demureness

Examples of modesty in a Sentence

She accepted the award with modesty.

He is known for his modesty, an uncommon characteristic for a politician.

There was no false modesty in her victory speech.

the modesty of her clothing

Recent Examples on the Web

Then his campaign was done with modesty and humor, without pretention or obvious promises that would never be kept. —Chicago Tribune, 17 June 2026

What the report recommends is telling in its modesty. —Dara-Abasi Ita, Forbes.com, 14 June 2026

This combination of serene confidence and epistemic modesty—this comfort with shades of gray—is rare among contemporary Christians. —Peter Wehner, The Atlantic, 10 June 2026

Danish-Norwegian philosopher Aksel Sandemose introduced the concept in his 1933 novel A Fugitive Crosses His Tracks, in which people in the fictional town of Jante faced societal pressure to subscribe to a collective mindset which preached modesty and collectivism. —Elias Burke, New York Times, 9 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1531, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Kids Definition

modesty

noun

mod·​es·​ty ˈmäd-ə-stē 

: the quality of being modest