English Reference
adjective

humiliated

adj.
US /hjuˈmɪɫiˌeɪtɪd/ UK /hjuːmˈɪlɪˌeɪtɪd/ hu·mil·i·at·ed

  1. 01 B2 Upper Intermediate

    feeling very ashamed or embarrassed, especially because you were made to look foolish in front of others.

    experiencing a painful loss of pride, self-respect, or dignity; often involves a public or social dimension of shame.

    Simple

    He felt humiliated when his boss shouted at him in front of the whole office.

    In context

    The athlete felt utterly humiliated after the disqualification, unable to face the spectators who had witnessed his public fall from grace.

    Pitfall
    I was humiliating when I forgot my lines. I was humiliated when I forgot my lines.

    Use 'humiliated' to describe how you feel. Use 'humiliating' to describe the situation that makes you feel that way.

Usage humiliated by nobodies

Bel said he was “humiliated” by the experience and was bullied.

The Guardian· 2 Sept 2026

Two months prior to Clarke's appointment, the national team had been humiliated in Kazakhstan.

BBC News· 16 Aug 2026
This entry
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Frequent
Updated