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Definitions

humbling

[huhm-bling, uhm-] / ˈhʌm blɪŋ, ˈʌm- /
ADJECTIVE
critical
Synonyms
STRONGEST
demanding
WEAK
analytical belittling biting calumniatory captious carping caviling cavillous censorious censuring choleric condemning critic cutting cynical demeaning derogatory diagnostic disapproving discerning discriminating disparaging exacting exceptive finicky fussy hairsplitting hypercritical lowering nagging niggling nit-picking overcritical particular penetrating reproachful sarcastic satirical scolding severe sharp trenchant withering
Antonyms
WEAK
complimentary laudatory praising trivial uncritical unimportant
ADJECTIVE
humiliating
Synonyms
STRONGEST
demeaning embarrassing
STRONG
disgracing
WEAK
opprobrious
ADJECTIVE
overcritical
Synonyms
WEAK
analytical belittling biting calumniatory captious carping caviling cavillous censorious censuring choleric condemning critic cutting cynical demanding demeaning derogatory diagnostic disapproving discerning discriminating disparaging exacting exceptive faultfinding finicky fussy hairsplitting hypercritical lowering nagging niggling nit-picking particular penetrating reproachful sarcastic satirical scolding severe sharp trenchant withering
NOUN
disgrace
Synonyms
STRONGEST
contempt degradation dishonor disrespect humiliation ignominy opprobrium reproach scorn stigma
STRONG
abasement abuse baseness blemish blur brand comedown contumely corruption culpability debasement debasing defamation derision disbarment discredit disesteem disfavor disrepute infamy meanness obloquy odium pollution prostitution put down scandal slander slight slur spot stain taint tarnish turpitude venality
WEAK
black eye ill repute ingloriousness
Antonyms
STRONGEST
admiration approval credit elevation esteem honor praise regard respect
STRONG
adulation boon cleanliness commendation compliment flattery goodness morality purification virtue
WEAK
exaltation
NOUN
humiliation
Synonyms
STRONGEST
confusion degradation disgrace ignominy indignity shame
STRONG
abasement affront chagrin comedown comeuppance condescension discomfiture dishonor mortification put down resignation self-abasement submission submissiveness
WEAK
loss of face mental pain touché
Antonyms
STRONGEST
esteem honor respect
STRONG
resistance
WEAK
elevation flattery glorification praise success triumph
NOUN
ill repute
Synonyms
WEAK
abasement abuse bad name bad odor baseness black eye blemish blur brand comedown contempt contumely corruption culpability debasement debasing defamation degradation derision disbarment discredit disesteem disfavor dishonor disrepute disrespect humiliation ignominy infamy ingloriousness meanness obloquy odium opprobrium pollution prostitution put down reproach scandal scorn shame slander slight slur spot stain stigma taint tarnish turpitude venality
NOUN
mortification
Synonyms
STRONG
abasement affront chagrin condescension degradation disgrace dishonor embarrassment ignominy put down resignation shame
WEAK
bring down loss of face
Antonyms
STRONG
esteem honor respect
NOUN
penitence
Synonyms
STRONGEST
contrition penance repentance
STRONG
anguish attrition compunction contriteness debasement degradation distress grief humiliation qualm regret remorse rue ruefulness ruth sadness scruple self-condemnation self-flagellation self-punishment self-reproach
WEAK
remorsefulness self-castigation
Antonyms
STRONG
approval comfort contentedness elevation happiness joy satisfaction
WEAK
shamelessness
NOUN
penitency
Synonyms
WEAK
anguish attrition compunction contriteness contrition debasement degradation distress grief humiliation penance qualm regret remorse remorsefulness repentance rue ruefulness ruth sadness scruple self-castigation self-condemnation self-flagellation self-punishment self-reproach
NOUN
remorsefulness
Synonyms
WEAK
anguish attrition compunction contriteness contrition debasement degradation distress grief humiliation penance penitency qualm regret remorse repentance rue ruefulness ruth sadness scruple self-castigation self-condemnation self-flagellation self-punishment self-reproach

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The Reds' hopes of winning silverware this season now rest on Champions League glory following Saturday's humbling 4-0 quarter-final defeat at Etihad Stadium.

From BBC • Apr. 5, 2026

The comic’s statement continued: “I’d just like to say that it is indeed humbling to get anything named for a man who’s been thrown out of as many school libraries as Mark Twain.”

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 26, 2026

Overall the four sides conceded 28 goals, suggesting it was a humbling experience for Premier League clubs.

From BBC • Mar. 18, 2026

He referred to the Fed’s humbling misjudgment in 2021, when it dismissed a surge in inflation as likely to be temporary.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 6, 2026

It was reported that as many as a million people personally witnessed our procession through the city, and to see the support and enthusiasm they gave to the anti-apartheid struggle was truly humbling.

From "Long Walk to Freedom" by Nelson Mandela