Word
abasement
Phoneticsabase·ment
UK/ɐbˈeɪsmənt/
Uncountable noun
Definition
n. the act of making someone feel very ashamed or less important, or the feeling of being treated this way.
n. the act of humbling or degrading someone; the state of being lowered in rank, office, or social estimation.
Examples
“He could not bear the public abasement of having to apologize for his mistakes.”
“The treaty was seen by the citizens as a total national abasement, stripping the country of its dignity and its most vital territories.”
Examples
simple
“He could not bear the public abasement of having to apologize for his mistakes.”
complex
“The treaty was seen by the citizens as a total national abasement, stripping the country of its dignity and its most vital territories.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “abasement” in context.
Verb
01. endure public abasement
“The disgraced politician had to endure public abasement during the televised hearing.”
verb + adj + noun
02. subject the prisoner to abasement
“The guards were accused of trying to subject the prisoner to abasement through constant harassment.”
verb + noun + prep + noun
Adjective
03. ritual abasement
“The ceremony involved a degree of ritual abasement to show loyalty to the new leader.”
adj + noun
04. utter abasement
“He felt a sense of utter abasement when he was forced to beg for his job back.”
adj + noun
Noun
05. act of abasement
“Apologizing on his knees was a final act of abasement that he would never forget.”
noun + of + noun
06. feeling of abasement
“A profound feeling of abasement washed over her as she stood before the mocking crowd.”
noun + of + noun
Preposition
07. in abasement
“The defeated soldiers bowed their heads in abasement as the victors marched past.”
prep + noun
Usage
Often used in the context of self-abasement, referring to the act of humbling oneself excessively.
Teaching tip
This is a high-register word; in everyday conversation, learners should use 'humiliation' or 'shame' instead.
Etymology
From Middle English abaissement, from Middle French abaissement (“astonishment”). Equivalent to abase + -ment. Compare French abaissement.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Word family
VERB
NOUN
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C2 ProficiencyIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.8.5–9.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 6.0114–120
- Frequency
- Rare
- Level
- C2 · Proficiency
- Updated
- アルファベット
- 読み方の一覧 →
- Register
- Formal, Literary
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