humiliation

word

/hjuˌmɪɫiˈeɪʃən/
hyoo-MI-lee-AY-shuhn
/hjˌuːmɪlɪˈeɪʃən/
hyoo-MI-lee-AY-shuhn

Definition

A strong feeling of shame or embarrassment caused by being made to look foolish or lose your dignity in front of others.

Usage & Nuances

'Humiliation' is usually formal and describes an intense, often public, experience of shame. It is stronger than 'embarrassment' and often comes from someone's actions. Common phrases: 'sense of humiliation', 'public humiliation', 'to suffer humiliation'.

Example Sentences

The mistake brought her great humiliation.

basic

He felt humiliation when he was laughed at.

basic

Public humiliation can be hard to forget.

basic

He still remembers the humiliation from years ago.

natural

She described the humiliation of failing in front of everyone.

natural

No one deserves that kind of humiliation at work.

natural