adjective

humbling

Humbling (adjective) means making someone realize their own limitations; causing a loss of pride. Example: “It was a humbling experience to fail at something he thought would be easy.”

adjective

Making someone realize their own limitations; causing a loss of pride.

"It was a humbling experience to fail at something he thought would be easy."

"Meeting people who had survived far worse was humbling."

How to use humbling

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishDescribes an experience that makes you feel less confident or proud, often in a way that teaches you something.

Common pairings

a humbling experience humbling defeat

Word forms

more humbling comparative, humblings plural, most humbling superlative

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It was a _____ experience to fail at something he thought would be easy.

Rhymes for humbling

tumbling rumbling fumbling mumbling bumbling crumbling stumbling grumbling

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Frequently asked questions

What does “humbling” mean?

The word “humbling” means making someone realize their own limitations; causing a loss of pride. In plain terms, describes an experience that makes you feel less confident or proud, often in a way that teaches you something.

How do you use “humbling” in a sentence?

Here is “humbling” used in a sentence: “It was a humbling experience to fail at something he thought would be easy.”

What part of speech is “humbling”?

“Humbling” is an adjective.

What is the meaning of humbling?

"humbling" (adjective) means making someone realize their own limitations; causing a loss of pride.