ignoble

adjective

ig·​no·​ble ig-ˈnō-bəl How to pronounce ignoble (audio)
1
: characterized by baseness, lowness, or meanness
2
: of low birth or common origin : plebeian
ignobility noun
ignobleness noun
ignobly
ig-ˈnō-blē How to pronounce ignoble (audio)
 also  -bə-lē
adverb

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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.

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
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.
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 Yet the upsides certainly outweigh the risk of an ignoble exit. Gabe Lacques, USA TODAY, 6 Feb. 2024 See all Example Sentences for ignoble 

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of ignoble was in the 15th century

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Dictionary Entries Near ignoble

Cite this Entry

“Ignoble.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ignoble. Accessed 6 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

ignoble

adjective
ig·​no·​ble ig-ˈnō-bəl How to pronounce ignoble (audio)
1
: not of noble birth
2
: not noble or honorable
ignoble thoughts
ignoble conduct
ignobly adverb

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