indignity
in-DIG-nuh-tee
/ɪnˈdɪɡnəti/
Treatment or circumstances that cause one to feel shame or a loss of dignity.
Indignity focuses on the internal feeling of shame or the humiliating nature of the situation.
The story behind the word. Coming from the Latin 'indignitas,' this word literally means 'unworthiness.' It describes a situation where a person is treated as if they are not worthy of basic human respect.
Word relationships
- humiliation: Humiliation is the intense feeling of shame; indignity is the act or condition that causes it.
- degradation: Degradation implies a lowering in rank or status; indignity is more about personal pride.
- honor: Honor is high respect; indignity is a lack of it.
- prestige: Prestige is widespread respect; indignity is the loss of it.
Commonly confused with
- indignation: Indignation is the anger caused by unfair treatment; indignity is the treatment itself.
Word family
- indignant (adjective): feeling anger at unfair treatment
Collocations
- suffer an indignity
- heap indignities upon
- daily indignity
Example sentences
- "The elderly patient suffered the indignity of being left in a hallway for hours." Describing poor treatment in a hospital.
- ""The worst part of being poor was the daily indignity of having to beg for credit at the grocer."" A memoir about poverty.
Memory hook
IN-DIGNITY means you are NOT being treated with DIGNITY. No dignity.
When not to use
Do not use for a simple disagreement; it requires a sense of humiliation.
Fun facts
- The word 'dignity' and 'dainty' actually share the same Latin root, 'dignus.'
Related words
Explore more words
ignominy, ignominious, indignant, chagrin, resentment, mortified
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