Synonyms of ignoble

ignoble

adjective

ig-ˈnō-bəl 

1

as in low

belonging to the class of people of low social or economic rank

an ignoble child who would one day grow up to be a prince among playwrights

Synonyms & Similar Words

• low
• plebeian
• humble
• vulgar
• proletarian
• lowly
• inferior
• lower-class
• low-life
• common
• unwashed
• lumpen
• poor
• lowborn
• mean
• bourgeois
• prole
• baseborn
• middle-class
• simple
• plain
• working-class
• déclassé
• downscale
• down-market

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• noble
• great
• aristocratic
• lofty
• high
• gentle
• grand
• patrician
• genteel
• upper-class
• upper-crust
• illustrious
• eminent
• notable
• prominent
• highborn
• highbred
• blue-blooded
• wellborn

2

as in vile

not following or in accordance with standards of honor and decency

such an ignoble act is completely unworthy of a military officer

Synonyms & Similar Words

• vile
• dirty
• nasty
• immoral
• cruel
• contemptible
• ignominious
• dishonorable
• sordid
• vicious
• detestable
• corrupt
• despicable
• wretched
• bad
• execrable
• evil
• low-down
• snide
• base
• mean
• paltry
• low-minded
• low
• currish
• wicked
• foul
• wrong
• iniquitous
• reprehensible
• depraved
• censurable
• perverted
• villainous
• debased
• miscreant
• shameful
• degenerate
• dissolute
• blameworthy
• disgraceful
• blamable
• debauched
• unprincipled
• unworthy
• unscrupulous
• discreditable
• disreputable
• unethical
• atrocious

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• noble
• honorable
• high
• virtuous
• lofty
• ethical
• venerable
• upright
• straight
• moral
• righteous
• honest
• excellent
• scrupulous
• good
• principled
• just
• right
• exemplary
• commendable
• high-minded
• proper
• respectable
• decent
• reputable
• blameless
• guiltless
• right-minded
• seemly
• irreproachable
• incorruptible
• unerring
• uncorrupted

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective ignoble differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of ignoble are abject, mean, and sordid. While all these words mean "being below the normal standards of human decency and dignity," ignoble suggests a loss or lack of some essential high quality of mind or spirit.

an ignoble scramble after material possessions

When would abject be a good substitute for ignoble?

In some situations, the words abject and ignoble are roughly equivalent. However, abject may imply degradation, debasement, or servility.

abject poverty

When could mean be used to replace ignoble?

The words mean and ignoble are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, mean suggests small-mindedness, ill temper, or cupidity.

mean and petty satire

When can sordid be used instead of ignoble?

The meanings of sordid and ignoble largely overlap; however, sordid is stronger than all of these in stressing physical or spiritual degradation and abjectness.

a sordid story of murder and revenge

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of ignoble

The most memorable, and notorious, moment from the race was the ignoble exit of Democratic Congressman Eric Swalwell. — Matt Fleming, Oc Register, 27 May 2026

That ignoble mini-streak ends this year. — Glen Weldon, NPR, 14 May 2026

Here, however, Makowsky examines a purely ignoble figure who feels entitled without accomplishing a thing. — Ben Travers, IndieWire, 6 Nov. 2025

This is an ignoble plan that cites dubious science while elevating the entertainment of a handful of hunters over the revulsion of most Floridians. — Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board, The Orlando Sentinel, 18 July 2025

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