indignity

Intermediate (B1)

IPA: /ɪnˈdɪɡnɪti/

KK: /ɪnˈdɪɡnɪti/

noun

Definition

A situation or treatment that causes a person to feel ashamed or less respected.

Example

He felt a deep sense of indignity after being publicly criticized.

Conversation

Did you see how they treated him at the party?

Yeah, it was such an indignity to see him embarrassed like that.

I can't believe they would do something so disrespectful.

Right? Everyone deserves to be treated with dignity.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

humiliation

disgrace

shame

Antonyms

dignity

honor

respect

Root Explanation

Indignity is formed from "in-" (meaning not) and "dignitas" (from Latin, meaning worth or dignity). The word refers to a lack of worth or dignity, often implying a sense of shame or disrespect.

Memory Tip

Think of 'not' ('in-') having 'worth' ('dignitas') — that's why indignity means a lack of worth or dignity.

Visually Confused Words