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Undignified: meaning, definitions and examples

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undignified

 

[ ʌnˈdɪɡnɪfaɪd ]

Adjective
Context #1 | Adjective

lack of dignity

The term 'undignified' refers to a state or condition that lacks dignity or respectability. When something is described as undignified, it implies a sense of shame or embarrassment associated with it. This can refer to behaviors, actions, or situations that are considered to be beneath a certain standard of decorum. The use of the term often indicates a loss of self-respect or a failure to maintain social prescripts of honor and nobility.

Synonyms

disgraceful, humiliating, shameful, unseemly

Examples of usage

  • His undignified behavior during the meeting was surprising.
  • She felt it was undignified to beg for assistance.
  • The incident left him feeling quite undignified.
  • They criticized the undignified way he handled the situation.

Translations

Translations of the word "undignified" in other languages:

🇵🇹 indigno

🇮🇳 असम्मानजनक

🇩🇪 undignifiziert

🇮🇩 tidak terhormat

🇺🇦 недостойний

🇵🇱 niedorzeczny

🇯🇵 不名誉な

🇫🇷 indigne

🇪🇸 indigno

🇹🇷 aşağılık

🇰🇷 무례한

🇸🇦 غير محترم

🇨🇿 nedůstojný

🇸🇰 nedôstojný

🇨🇳 不体面

🇸🇮 nedostojno

🇮🇸 óheiðarlegur

🇰🇿 арсыз

🇬🇪 არათანაბარი

🇦🇿 şərəfsiz

🇲🇽 indigno

Etymology

The word 'undignified' is derived from the prefix 'un-' meaning 'not' and the base word 'dignified,' which comes from the Latin 'dignus,' meaning 'worthy' or 'deserving.' The term has evolved through Middle English, where 'dignified' was used to describe a state of honor or seriousness. The concept of dignity has been significant throughout history, particularly in philosophical discourse about human worth and respect. 'Undignified' emerged as a term to encapsulate actions or conditions that fell short of these standards, often used in social and cultural critiques to denote behavior deemed inappropriate or disrespectful. Over time, the application of the term has expanded to cover not just personal conduct, but also aspects of societal and institutional actions that lack respectability.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #25,204, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.