DictionaryAI

ignoble

Sayig-NOH-buhlUS/ɪɡˈnoʊbəl/UK/ɪɡˈnəʊbəl/

Formsignobler, ignoblest

4 meanings of ignoble

Practice

  1. 1
    shamefuladjective
    Shameful and without honor.

    Lying to get his friend fired was an ignoble thing to do.

    There is nothing ignoble about saying you were wrong.

    Similardishonorable, base, shameful, contemptible, despicable

    Oppositenoble, honorable, worthy, admirable

    Note
  2. 2
    low birthadjective
    Born into an ordinary family, not a noble one.

    The prince fell in love with a girl of ignoble birth.

    Because he came from an ignoble family with no title, he was not allowed into the king's hall.

    UsageMostly in ignoble birth. People may think you mean bad character, so be clear.

    Similarhumble, lowly, common, plebeian, lowborn

    Oppositenoble, aristocratic, highborn

    Note

Less common meanings

  1. 3
    verbobsolete
    To make someone lose their honor or high place.
  2. 4
    adjective
    Used of some hawks, like the goshawk, that are not thought of as true falcons.

Practice

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Origin

From Latin, meaning "not noble".

Checked 30 Oct 2026 · 2 facts