servility

noun

ser·​vil·​i·​ty (ˌ)sərˈvilətē 

səˈv-, 

sə̄ˈv-, 

səiˈv-, 

-lətē, 

-i

plural -es

1

: a slave's condition : the state of slavery : servitude

2

a

: a mean or cringing submissiveness : obsequiousness

his political advisers flattered him with grotesque servility

—Times Literary Supplement

b

: lack of independence or spirit : undue dependence or deference

3

: slavish imitation in following a model : want of originality, inspiration, or invention

Word History

Etymology

servile entry 1 + -ity

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