humbled

[ huhm-buhld, uhm- ]

adjective

1. made less proud, especially by awe or admiration, or by gratitude for help received, an undeserved advantage or honor, etc.:

   The land is a perpetual gift; I am humbled like a stranger who is invited to dinner and fed the best food in the house.

2. lowered in condition, power, or dignity; abased:

   NATO air strikes and tightening sanctions finally brought the humbled aggressors to the negotiating table.

verb

1. the simple past tense and past participle of humble ( def ).

Other Words From

• un·hum·bled adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of humbled¹

humble ( def ) + -ed ²

Example Sentences

Writing on X, Carr said he was "humbled and honoured" to take the role, and would set about his plan to "dismantle the censorship cartel".

From BBC

The Cowboys are hobbled and humbled, having lost three in a row.

From Los Angeles Times

The Daniel Dubois v Anthony Joshua news conference that took place here last month was also rather understated, but nobody expected Fury to curb his usual brashness or be humbled by defeat.

From BBC

Three innings, one message, powerfully delivered Wednesday from the Dodgers to the suddenly harried and humbled San Diego Padres:

From Los Angeles Times

"I thought I was quite good quite quickly - but I was wrong and I was soon humbled when I started," he said.

From BBC

Related Words

• apologetic
• bashful
• contrite
• distraught
• distressed
• embarrassed
• guilty
• hesitant
• humble
• humiliated
• regretful
• reluctant
• repentant
• shy
• sorry