What does lowliness mean?
Lowliness is a formal noun for humility, especially the humble or meek manner associated with Christian teaching or with people who regard status and power with suspicion. It can also describe a person's low station or condition, although that sense is now largely literary or archaic. In modern usage, the word often carries a moral emphasis: lowliness may suggest self-effacement, service, and freedom from pride, but in contexts involving submission or inferiority it may sound demeaning. Christian tradition has long treated gentleness and self-abnegation as virtues. Because it is less common than humility, lowliness can sound elevated, old-fashioned, or ecclesiastical, and careful writers may choose a less ambiguous word. The word is nevertheless useful because it names not merely the fact of being poor or socially subordinate, but an attitude of modesty—sometimes chosen, sometimes imposed—that turns hierarchy into a subject of reflection rather than a source of pride.
nounHumility or meekness, especially in manner or spirit. In older and literary usage, it can also mean low social rank or condition.
- Humility, meekness, or self-effacement, especially in a person's manner or spirit.
- Low social rank or condition; now chiefly archaic or literary.
"Her lowliness in the face of criticism disarmed those who had expected an argument."
"Her lowliness in the face of criticism disarmed those who had expected an argument."
"The novel presents the prince's lowliness not as weakness but as a rejection of royal privilege."
The noun is normally used in the singular or as an uncountable concept; the plural is rare.
"The critic's discussion of several lowlinesses distinguishes voluntary humility from imposed social inferiority."
In Christian tradition, lowliness became more than social inferiority: it was a chosen virtue that placed humility above rank and pride.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does lowliness come from?
The word is English in formation, combining low with the Old English-derived suffix -ness, which forms a noun denoting a quality or state. The Middle English form lownesse developed into the modern spelling lowliness, while related forms such as lowly and lowness continue to use the same root. Its original sense included both a humble manner and low social condition.
How lowliness is actually used
Lowliness is formal, literary, and somewhat old-fashioned or ecclesiastical. It can imply deliberate humility, but it may also suggest abasement or submission when referring to a person's social position. The word is less common and potentially less ambiguous than humility.
Easily confused with lowliness
Lowliness means humility or a low condition, whereas loveliness means attractive or pleasing qualities.
Lowly is chiefly an adjective meaning humble or of low rank, whereas lowliness is the noun naming those qualities or conditions.