What does stigma mean?
Stigma is a noun meaning the social disapproval, discredit, or negative judgment attached to a person, group, identity, behaviour, or medical condition. It commonly appears in discussions of prejudice and discrimination, as in “social stigma” and “the stigma surrounding mental illness.” The word may describe the prejudice itself or the reputation, status, or assumptions that result from it. Its use extends beyond social contexts: in botany, a stigma is the receptive part of a flower’s pistil, while in zoology it can refer to a spot or marking on an animal, especially an insect’s wing. Stigma is especially useful when describing how stereotypes and judgments affect individuals or communities. It is more specific than a general “bad reputation,” because it often implies a social process in which a characteristic or identity becomes associated with shame, danger, unworthiness, or reduced acceptance.
nounIn modern social use, stigma means a mark of discredit or social disapproval attached to a person, group, condition, or identity. In botany, the same word names the receptive part of a flower’s pistil, and in zoology it can mean a spot or marking on an animal.
- A strong social disapproval or mark of discredit associated with a person, group, identity, behaviour, or condition.
- In botany, the receptive surface of a pistil, where pollen germinates and fertilisation occurs.
- In zoology, a small spot or marking on an animal, especially on the wing of a butterfly or other insect.
"The campaign sought to reduce the stigma surrounding people who live with mental illness."
"Education and representation can help challenge the stigma faced by people with disabilities."
"The butterfly’s dark stigma is characteristic of the species."
“Stigmas” is the standard general plural. “Stigmata” is also used as a plural, especially in theological and historical contexts.
"The speakers discussed the stigmas surrounding mental illness and addiction."
The word began as a mark or tattoo on the body and later became a mark on a person’s reputation.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does stigma come from?
The English word comes through Latin from Greek stigma, meaning “a mark” or “tattoo.” The original sense referred to a physical mark, and the modern social sense developed from the idea of a visible sign or brand that could signify disgrace or exclusion. Related English forms include stigmatize and stigmatization, while stigmata preserves a specialized plural associated especially with theological language.
Related word forms
How stigma is actually used
Stigma is countable and is usually used with “social” or in phrases such as “stigma surrounding” or “stigma attached to.” In contemporary usage it is usually neutral in register, though it can convey strong disapproval when used to describe discriminatory attitudes.