Word

humility

noun C1

/hjuːˈmɪlɪti/

Meanings

noun

the quality of being modest and respectful, without pride or arrogance

noun

a humble attitude shown by recognizing your limitations or mistakes

Definition

Humility is the quality of being modest and not thinking you are better than others.

Humility is a calm, realistic way of seeing your own abilities and limits without bragging or putting others down. It often shows in how someone listens, admits mistakes, and gives credit to other people. Humility does not mean having low self-esteem; it means staying grounded even when you succeed.

Examples

Despite the award, she spoke with humility and highlighted her team’s work.
I learned humility the first time my confident plan collapsed under real-world constraints.
In negotiations, he showed humility by admitting what he didn’t know and asking precise questions.
They handled the criticism with humility, revising their proposal instead of defending every detail.

Common mistake

Learners often confuse humility with low confidence, but humility can exist alongside healthy self-respect.