indignity

noun

in·dig·ni·ty | \ in-ˈdig-nə-tē

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

However, the indignities thrust on Rashon Nelson or Tshyrad Oates or Myneca Ojo or Chikesia Clemons send a broader message about who belongs, who matters, who deserves respect—and who does not. — Connie M. Razza, The Root, "Ending the Policing of Black Bodies in Public Spaces Requires Not Just a Change of Policy but a Change of Heart," 2 May 2018 The latest indignity involves large, unreported paychecks for troopers from Troop F — those responsible for policing, among other sites, Logan International Airport. — Nestor Ramos, BostonGlobe.com, "At Logan, State Police can no longer expect us to ‘keep it moving’," 29 Mar. 2018 Celebrities and the otherwise well-connected are largely spared this indignity, thanks to a) access to the top brow artists in the biz and b) regular appointments with said artistes. — Jillian Ruffo, Glamour, "Rihanna Reportedly Has a Lookalike Model to Try Out Brow Looks, As You Do When You're Rihanna," 8 Dec. 2018 The letters — like the revelations of the #MeToo and Time’s Up movements — suggest an overload of indignity and fury that’s bound to explode. — James Poniewozik, New York Times, "The Fashion Closet, Seen From Inside and Out," 1 July 2018 With the front door closed on the unpredictable and tiresome indignities of the world out there, the salve to the cruelties of the day is this rich, nutty pesto, vibrantly green and alive with garlic, tossed with a tangle of noodles. — Kim Walker, Woman's Day, "Desperation Dinners: Pea, Parsley and Walnut Pesto," 1 Sep. 2010 Iskandar’s Listserv for State Farm policyholders across the region overflows with anecdotes of indignity. — Susie Cagle, Curbed, "California’s changing fire country," 10 Oct. 2018 All’s well that ends well, as Shakespeare wrote, and because Monday night ended well for the Phillies, catcher Andrew Knapp was spared the indignity of costing his team by failing to glove the final out in the ninth inning. — Scott Lauber, Philly.com, "Phillies starter Nick Pivetta gives Cardinals a glimpse of his improvement | Extra Innings," 19 June 2018 He was spared the indignity of a losing vote in the Senate Foreign Affairs Committee by Sen. Chris Coons, D-Del., who found the mercy and grace to withhold his vote in deference to his colleague Sen. Johnny Isakson, R-Ga. — Chris Stirewalt, Fox News, "White House stumbles add up to trouble for GOP," 25 Apr. 2018

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.