indignity

[ in-dig-ni-tee ]

noun

, plural in·dig·ni·ties.

1. an injury to a person's dignity; slighting or contemptuous treatment; humiliating affront, insult, or injury.

   Synonyms: outrage

2. Obsolete. disgrace or disgraceful action.

indignity

/ ɪnˈdɪɡnɪtɪ /

noun

1. injury to one's self-esteem or dignity; humiliation
2. obsolete.
   disgrace or disgraceful character or conduct

Word History and Origins

Origin of indignity¹

First recorded in 1575–85; from Latin indignitās “unworthiness,” equivalent to indign(us) “undeserving, unworthy”( indign ) + -itās -ity

Synonym Study

See insult.

Example Sentences

If you conduct an entire election campaign under the shadow of imminent physical violence, amid incessant threats of violence and promises of violence, you should not—perhaps—be surprised that women voters will experience a double indignity at losing their reproductive freedom in 2022 combined with threats of bodily harm if you attempt to do anything to remedy that in 2024.

From Slate

Its hours are limited, and no dogs are allowed, a particular indignity given the number of households in South Park with canines.

From Los Angeles Times

When Cohn learns that Trump has gifted him fake-diamond cuff links for what will turn out to be his final birthday, Strong invests the petty indignity with pathos, as a man who would step over anyone to get ahead realizes he’s subject to the same ruthless forces.

From Los Angeles Times

It was the final indignity in what was the Dodgers’ eighth loss to the Padres in 11 games, a setback that trimmed the team’s division lead to two games.

From Los Angeles Times

He suffered the added indignity of being stripped of his number seven shirt, which was handed to Pedro Neto when he arrived from Wolverhampton Wanderers.

From BBC

Related Words

• injustice
• insult
• opprobrium