modesty

noun

mod·​es·​ty ˈmä-də-stē 

1

: the quality of not being too proud or confident about yourself or your abilities

She accepted the award with modesty.

2

: propriety in dress, speech, or conduct

The young man was known for his modesty.

Synonyms of modesty

• meekness
• humility
• humbleness
• demureness

Examples of modesty in a Sentence

She accepted the award with modesty.

He is known for his modesty, an uncommon characteristic for a politician.

There was no false modesty in her victory speech.

the modesty of her clothing

Recent Examples on the Web

Mike Kelly, a former Vikings executive turned technology CEO who remains a season ticket holder, long felt this modesty was what separated Brzezinski from other front-office types. —Alec Lewis, New York Times, 6 Mar. 2026

Part of her appeal is that, even though her voice is commanding, there’s nothing particularly imperious about her personality, which borders on something like modesty. —Chris Willman, Variety, 5 Mar. 2026

His quiet tone is not shyness or false modesty but circumspection and a sense of boundaries that imply respect and love for real communication. —Los Angeles Times, 4 Mar. 2026

The subjects appear to offer their likenesses without reserving an ounce of modesty; confidence and audacity steel their faces and poses. —Bryan Barcena, Artforum, 1 Mar. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1531, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Kids Definition

modesty

noun

mod·​es·​ty ˈmäd-ə-stē 

: the quality of being modest