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 Words From

• o·ver·hum·ble·ness noun
• un·hum·ble·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of humbleness¹

humble ( def ) + -ness ( def )

Example Sentences

The fact that she doesn't have biological children might not have been weaponized as a rebuke of her "humbleness."

From Salon

There’s like a humbleness there that I don’t think that you necessarily expect to see that is really refreshing, and to know that, like you’re around these people that you praise and they’re just so cool.

From Los Angeles Times

The auteur’s humbleness, as well as his proclivity to deploy vibrant music to verbalize what his reserved characters can’t articulate, remain the signatures of his masterful body of work.

From Los Angeles Times

“She is a special player with special qualities,” Andonovski said of Smith, “but the best thing is that she has the humbleness, work ethic and drive to keep developing all aspects of her game.”

From Seattle Times

"Let us be mindful of the love, respect and humbleness they had for all people and for this land that gives us water and food. As we become more mindful of these first Native American people, may we live in the same manner."

From Salon