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

His parents undergo indignities familiar to immigrants the world over, working jobs that are well below their levels of education, accomplishment, and self-respect. — Ryu Spaeth, The New Republic, "Aleksandar Hemon’s Lost Eden," 6 June 2019 In fine Victorian umbrage, Davis wrote up the account as a litany of indignities, without mentioning the authorities had good reason for the searches. — John Maxwell Hamilton, National Geographic, "In a battle for readers, two media barons sparked a war in the 1890s," 16 Apr. 2019 There was even the indignity of her cherished hair salon, Pierre Michel, denying her service. — Horacio Silva, Town & Country, "What to Do When You Find Yourself at Dinner With a Social Pariah," 15 May 2019 While the indignities of air travel are as immutable as the physics that keep you airborne, the designers of these new-breed airports have found ways to inject beauty, efficiency and even fun into your travels. — Matthew Kronsberg, WSJ, "New Airport Terminals Where Killing Time Has Its Perks," 30 Apr. 2019 United looked set to suffer the indignity of watching City celebrate winning the Premier League after racing into a two-goal half-time lead in the Manchester derby thanks to Vincent Kompany and Ilkay Gundogan. — Afp, chicagotribune.com, "Smalling: Man United 'didn't want to be clowns' in City title celebration," 7 Apr. 2018 To West, Kenney’s position on Mill was just the latest indignity for the people who grew up with Jim Kenney in South Philly. — Andrew Seidman, Philly.com, "'He forgot where he came from': Is support for Mayor Kenney fading in his old South Philly neighborhood?," 23 May 2018 Knowing this in advance won’t make the movie any less punishing: Between the indignities suffered by Pete and the steady trickle of misfortunes that befall perceptive, open-hearted Charley, Lean on Pete is a workout. — Stephanie Zacharek, Time, "Lean on Pete Has Too Much Horse Heartbreak to Bear," 30 Mar. 2018 The docuseries is a mixed bag of selfless activism, self-promotion and gut-wrenching accounts by McGowan and other women about the indignities suffered at the hands of those who abused them. — Lorraine Ali, latimes.com, "'Citizen Rose' keeps the #MeToo conversation, and Rose McGowan's career, alive," 30 Jan. 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.