noun

hubris

HYOOB-rihs

Quiz me More like this

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.”

noun

Excessive pride or self-confidence, especially the kind that leads to a downfall.

"His hubris convinced him the deal couldn't fail, right up until it collapsed."

"The company's hubris led it to ignore every warning sign."

How to use hubris

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishDangerous overconfidence — pride so extreme it blinds someone to real risks.

Memory tip

Hubris almost always implies a coming fall — it's pride right before a disaster, not just ordinary confidence.

Trace the full origin ↓

Common pairings

sheer hubris the hubris to hubris and arrogance

Vocabulary Flow

Build your vocabulary from words like hubris.

Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.

Start vocabulary practice

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Word forms

Plural: hubrises

Test yourself on “hubris” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

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.

Origin: Ancient Greek

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:

Words about emotion & character