indignity

noun

in·dig·ni·ty | \ in-ˈdig-nə-tē

How to pronounce indignity (audio)

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plural indignities

Definition of indignity

1a : 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

Synonyms Example Sentences Learn More about indignity

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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 Freshman Greg Brown even suffered the indignity of a rim rejection while attempting a two-handed putback slam. — Nick Moyle, San Antonio Express-News, "No. 6 Texas continues freefall with double-overtime loss to Oklahoma State," 6 Feb. 2021 The Wings had the indignity of being the only team mathematically eliminated when the NHL succumbed to the pandemic and paused March 12. — Helene St. James, Detroit Free Press, "3 things to keep in mind as Detroit Red Wings open 2020-21 training camp," 31 Dec. 2020 In beating a Rams team that’s maddeningly inconsistent but probably headed to the playoffs, the Jets dodged the indignity of becoming the third NFL franchise to finish 0-16. — Sam Farmer, Los Angeles Times, "Adam Gase and Jets prove Sean McVay right in shocking upset over Rams," 21 Dec. 2020 Dallas is a marquee franchise, one insulated from this sort of indignity. — David Moore, Dallas News, "Cowboys may have finally committed a cardinal sin in the eyes of Jerry Jones: They’re too boring for prime time.," 19 Dec. 2020 The power outages were an inconvenience but also an indignity as Californians pay some of the highest rates for power in the country. — Jeff John Roberts, Fortune, "A $100 million ‘virtual power plant’ could put an end to California’s power woes," 7 Dec. 2020 For the first time, Alabama missed the College Football Playoff since its creation and had to suffer the indignity of playing in the Citrus Bowl. — John Talty | Jtalty@al.com, al, "Alabama loudly reminds LSU who runs the SEC, Auburn deserves more from Gus," 6 Dec. 2020 So … at least our aquatic caterpillar doesn’t suffer the indignity of its parasite putting it to work. — Matt Simon, Wired, "‘Godzilla’ Wasp Swims—So Its Young Can Burst Out of Caterpillars," 9 Nov. 2020 So imagine having to endure that indignity not once…but TWICE! — Dalton Ross, EW.com, "Survivor Quarantine Questionnaire: Francesca Hogi on being 'the biggest loser in Survivor history'," 12 Oct. 2020

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'indignity.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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Dictionary Entries near indignity

indignation meeting

indignities to the person

Statistics for indignity

Last Updated

21 Feb 2021

Cite this Entry

“Indignity.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/indignity. Accessed 2 Mar. 2021.

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More Definitions for indignity

indignity

noun

English Language Learners Definition of indignity

: an act or occurrence that hurts someone's dignity or pride : an insulting or embarrassing act or occurrence

See the full definition for indignity in the English Language Learners Dictionary

indignity

noun

in·dig·ni·ty | \ in-ˈdig-nə-tē

\

plural indignities

Kids Definition of indignity

1 : an act that injures a person's dignity or self-respect She remembers every insult, every indignity.

2 : treatment that shows a lack of respect He suffered the indignity of being fired.

indignity

noun

in·dig·ni·ty | \ in-ˈdig-nə-tē

\

plural indignities

Legal Definition of indignity

: persistent and intolerable behavior toward a spouse especially as a manifestation of settled estrangement

Comments on indignity

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