Humiliating Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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humiliating

[hjuːˈmɪljəˌteɪtɪŋ ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

in a social situation

Causing someone to feel ashamed or foolish by injuring their dignity and self-respect.

Synonyms

degrading, disgraceful, embarrassing, shameful.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
humiliating	Situations where someone is made to feel very ashamed or foolish often in a public setting. Losing the game in such an obvious way was humiliating for the team; The way he was yelled at in front of everyone was truly humiliating
embarrassing	Moments that cause someone to feel awkward, self-conscious, or ashamed, usually in a mild or personal way. Forgetting her lines on stage was an embarrassing mistake; It was embarrassing when he spilled coffee on his shirt during the meeting
shameful	Actions or behaviors that are dishonorable and bring a feeling of deep guilt or remorse. The company’s shameful waste of resources upset many of its employees; Lying under oath is a shameful act
degrading	Instances where someone is treated with disrespect in a way that diminishes their dignity or value. The degrading comments made by the manager lowered the morale of the employees; Cleaning toilets might feel degrading if you feel you are not respected
disgraceful	When someone's actions are morally wrong or unacceptable, often reflecting poorly on their character. His disgraceful behavior at the party shocked everyone; Cheating on your partner is considered disgraceful

Examples of usage

It was a humiliating experience for her to be rejected in front of everyone.
He felt humiliated when his mistakes were pointed out in front of his colleagues.

^{Context #2 | Adjective}

in a personal context

Causing someone to feel ashamed or embarrassed due to a loss of self-respect or dignity.

Synonyms

belittling, disconcerting, mortifying.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
humiliating	Use this when describing an experience that causes someone to feel deeply ashamed and stripped of dignity. It's a very strong term, often associated with severe embarrassment. It was humiliating to be corrected in front of the entire class. Losing the match in such a way was extremely humiliating for the team.
mortifying	While similar to 'humiliating', this term is often used for situations that cause someone to feel intensely embarrassed or ashamed, but it can also imply an element of shock or surprise. It was mortifying when she realized she'd been walking around with food stuck in her teeth. The mortifying truth was revealed during the interview.
disconcerting	This word is used to describe a situation or behavior that causes someone to feel uneasy, confused, or disturbed, but doesn't necessarily strip them of dignity or self-worth. His constant staring was quite disconcerting. The sudden change in the plan was disconcerting for everyone involved.
belittling	This term is often used when someone's actions or words make another person feel small, less significant, or less important. It can imply a repetitive or intentional act of making someone feel inferior. Her belittling comments about his work made him feel useless. The boss's belittling attitude demotivated the employees.

Examples of usage

She found the remarks about her appearance humiliating.
He was in a humiliating situation when he couldn't answer a simple question.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

Experiencing humiliation can lead to a range of emotional responses, including anger, sadness, and anxiety.
Humiliation affects self-esteem and can lead to long-term psychological impacts, like social anxiety or depression.
In group settings, a person feeling humiliated may withdraw or become aggressive, demonstrating the complex reactions to social situations.

Pop Culture

Many comedy films use humiliating circumstances for character development, showcasing their personal growth through awkward moments.
Reality TV often includes humiliating challenges to entertain audiences, blurring lines between entertainment and personal dignity.
Social media has amplified public humiliation, where people's mistakes can go viral, leading to larger discussions about privacy and respect.

Sociology

Humiliation can be a tool of social control, used to enforce conformity and dominance within groups.
Historical figures often faced public humiliation as a means to discredit them, impacting their reputations and subsequent influence.
Cultural attitudes towards humiliation can vary widely, with some societies viewing it as a harsh punishment while others see it as a part of social learning.

Origin of 'humiliating'

Main points about word origin

The word comes from the Latin 'humiliare', which means 'to humble or make low'.
It evolved into the Old French 'humilier', showing how language changes over time while keeping core meanings.
The term has been used since the late 14th century, emphasizing its long-standing presence in human interactions.

The word 'humiliating' is derived from the Latin word 'humiliatus', which means 'made low' or 'brought to the ground'. It has been used in English since the late Middle Ages to describe situations that cause a loss of pride or dignity. The concept of humiliation has been explored in various fields such as psychology, sociology, and philosophy, highlighting its impact on individuals' mental and emotional well-being.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #13,792, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.

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13789 synchronization
13790 structuring
13791 refute
13792 humiliating
13793 lifeless
13794 residency
13795 magnetite
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