humbleness

[huhm-buhl-nis, uhm-]

noun

1. the quality or state of being modest and lacking in pride or arrogance.

   We need to teach a different kind of leadership, one where humbleness is more important than confidence.

2. the quality or state of being or feeling low in rank, importance, status, worth, etc.

   We observed the humbleness of the local homes, but also the hard-working ethic of the people who lived in them.

3. the quality or state of being courteously respectful.

   Respect and humbleness will get you far in dealing with people from other places and cultures.

Other Word Forms

• overhumbleness noun
• unhumbleness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of humbleness¹

humble ( def. ) + -ness ( def. )

Example Sentences

Where basic training stories like this usually involve a cocky or spoiled character learning a lesson about humbleness and teamwork, Cam is coming from a place of insecurity and fear.

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“I think it’s good to have a sense of humbleness and be intimidated by such a high level in a new environment,” she said.

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Looks-wise, he had a humbleness that allowed him play to cops, working men and the president of the United States.

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“His humbleness and charisma shined through,” said Panek, 25, now a nurse at a burn intensive care unit at a Dallas hospital.

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Showing a humbleness which motivates others was illustrated off court when, in 2018, he led from the front to help his home island of Mallorca recover from devastating flash flooding.

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