What does ignoble mean?
Ignoble means morally base, dishonorable, or unworthy of noble principles. The word is especially used for actions, conduct, motives, and purposes that betray cowardice, treachery, selfishness, or contempt for honor. It appears frequently in formal and literary contexts: an “ignoble act” is not merely unfortunate or ineffective but blameworthy in a serious moral sense. Because ignoble derives from Latin in- and nobilis, it also carries the idea of being “not noble,” although its modern usage concentrates chiefly on ethical condemnation rather than social rank. The term can therefore describe a betrayal of trust, a dishonorable compromise, or a motive founded on cowardice or greed. It is stronger and more elevated than ordinary words such as “bad,” making it particularly useful when a writer wants to express unequivocal moral disapproval.
adjectiveMorally base, dishonorable, or contemptibly lacking in noble principles.
- Morally base, dishonorable, or contemptibly mean.
"The courtier's ignoble attempt to seize power brought shame upon his entire family."
"The treaty was abandoned out of ignoble fear rather than sound principle."
"Critics regarded the newspaper's campaign as an ignoble smear campaign."
Ignoble contains its own opposite: the Latin prefix in- means “not,” so ignoble literally means “not noble.”
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does ignoble come from?
Ignoble entered English in the early 16th century from Latin ignobilis, meaning “not noble” or “base.” The Latin word combines the negative prefix in- with nobilis, “noble,” from which English words including noble and nobility also derive. Its original sense could refer to lack of noble birth or rank, but the word soon became established chiefly in its moral meaning of base and dishonorable.
Related word forms
How ignoble is actually used
This is a formal, literary word with a strongly condemnatory tone. It is used especially for conduct, actions, motives, and means, and it is stronger and more specific than the general word “bad.”