hubris
Hubris (noun) means Excessive pride or self-confidence, especially the kind that leads to a downfall. Example: “His hubris convinced him the deal couldn't fail, right up until it collapsed.”
How to use hubris
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishDangerous overconfidence — pride so extreme it blinds someone to real risks.
Hubris almost always implies a coming fall — it's pride right before a disaster, not just ordinary confidence.
Trace the full origin ↓Word forms
hubrises plural
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
His _____ convinced him the deal couldn't fail, right up until it collapsed.
Etymology
From Ancient Greek hubris, originally meaning "insolence" or an outrageous act of pride against the gods — famously the downfall of many tragic heroes.
Frequently asked questions
What does “hubris” mean?
The word “hubris” means excessive pride or self-confidence, especially the kind that leads to a downfall. In plain terms, dangerous overconfidence — pride so extreme it blinds someone to real risks.
How do you pronounce “hubris”?
“Hubris” is pronounced HYOOB-rihs (/ˈhjubɹɪs/ in IPA).
How do you use “hubris” in a sentence?
Here is “hubris” used in a sentence: “His hubris convinced him the deal couldn't fail, right up until it collapsed.”
What part of speech is “hubris”?
“Hubris” is a noun.
Where does the word “hubris” come from?
The word “hubris” comes from Ancient Greek. From Ancient Greek hubris, originally meaning "insolence" or an outrageous act of pride against the gods — famously the downfall of many tragic heroes.
Featured in
Vocabulary lists that include hubris: