# abasement

/ɐbˈeɪsmənt/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/abasement
Updated: 2026-05-01

## Senses

### 1. humiliation or loss of status

noun · CEFR C2 · Formal · Literary

the act of making someone feel very ashamed or less important, or the feeling of being treated this way.

For teachers: the act of humbling or degrading someone; the state of being lowered in rank, office, or social estimation.

- 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.

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.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.