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

A lot of CEOs have a sort of false modesty that is relatively easy to see through and is kind of cringeworthy. —Brian Halligan, Fortune, 25 Nov. 2025

The locker room, once a place for casual and normative nudity, had quietly become a place where modesty was expected. —Jacob Beckert, The Atlantic, 13 Nov. 2025

English wasn’t tied to the same expectations of obedience, modesty, or loyalty. —Literary Hub, 6 Nov. 2025

Queen Camilla’s monochrome attire and choice of mantilla fall under papal protocol, requiring women who meet with the pope to wear black and a veil, symbolizing respect and modesty. —Julia Teti, Footwear News, 23 Oct. 2025

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