Word
humiliating
Phoneticshu·mil·i·at·ing, stress on the second syllable
US/hjuˈmɪɫiˌeɪtɪŋ/
UK/hjuːmˈɪlɪˌeɪtɪŋ/
Definitions
01causing shame
B2 · Upper Intermediate
adj. making you feel very ashamed, embarrassed, or foolish, especially in public.
adj. causing a painful loss of pride, self-respect, or dignity. Usually describes an event, experience, or defeat.
“It was humiliating to realize I had been wearing my shirt inside out all day.”
“The team suffered a humiliating defeat in the finals, losing by a margin that no one had anticipated.”
Usage
Commonly modifies nouns like 'defeat', 'experience', 'failure', or 'silence'.
Pitfall
I felt very humiliating when I fell down.
I felt very humiliated when I fell down.
Use 'humiliating' for the situation and 'humiliated' for your own feelings.
Teaching tip
Learners often confuse the -ing and -ed forms; remind them that a 'humiliating' event makes a person feel 'humiliated'.
Synonyms
Antonyms
02the act of shaming
C1 · Advanced Uncountable noun Formal
n. the act of making someone feel ashamed or less important.
n. the action of shaming or degrading someone; the gerundial use of the verb 'humiliate'.
“The public humiliating of the prisoner was criticized by human rights groups.”
“The systematic humiliating of political rivals became a hallmark of the regime's propaganda strategy.”
Usage
Often functions as a verbal noun followed by 'of'.
Teaching tip
In most contexts, the noun 'humiliation' is preferred over the gerund 'humiliating'.
Synonyms
Real-World Examples
“Belo Horizonte – the scene of Brazil’s humiliating 7-1 semi-final loss to Germany 12 years ago – has been chosen to host a quarter-final.” “By suggesting that Black women would willingly place their own children in mortal danger for profit, such narratives provided yet another means of humiliating, degrading and dehumanizing African Americans.” “In Rayya’s voice, Gilbert calls herself babe, baby, or “sunshine baby” multiple times, emotes in all-caps, and grants herself permission to write the details of Rayya’s terrible, humiliating final year.” - 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.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL 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: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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