humbling

[ huhm-bling, uhm- ]

adjective

1. causing a person to feel less proud, especially through awe, admiration, or gratitude:

   This project has involved some exceptionally talented people and it’s been a humbling experience to work with them.

2. lowering a person’s status, power, dignity, confidence, etc.:

   The 26:2 vote in favor of their opponents was indeed a humbling defeat.

noun

1. the act of affecting a person or thing in any of these ways, or the experience of being so affected:

   The Magna Carta marked the restoration of Anglo-Saxon freedom and the humbling of Norman tyranny.

Other Words From

• hum·bling·ly adverb
• self-hum·bling adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of humbling¹

First recorded in 1540–50; humbl(e) ( def ) + -ing ²( def ) for the adjective senses; humbl(e) ( def ) + -ing ¹( def ) for the noun sense

Example Sentences

“Fortunately I was able to produce and get this award which is very humbling.”

From Los Angeles Times

Fisher recalls a similarly humbling moment in the back of a Glasgow taxi recently.

From BBC

I’ve found that more overwhelming and humbling than being confronted with my own mortality.

From BBC

"It's quite humbling to see it here now knowing there's going to be loads of kids walking past and hopefully being inspired," the Chingford-raised player said.

From BBC

There followed punishing defeats by England, France and the Netherlands, with competitive losses to Spain and the Euro 2024 humbling at the hands of the hosts on the opening night in Munich.

From BBC

Related Words

• contempt
• degradation
• dishonor
• disrespect
• humiliation
• ignominy
• opprobrium
• reproach
• scorn
• stigma