Ignoble

/ɪɡˈnoʊbəl/ adjective

Definition

Not honorable or respectable; showing a lack of courage, dignity, or morality in one's actions.

Etymology

From Latin 'ignobilis,' formed from 'in-' (not) and 'nobilis' (noble). Originally referred to people of non-noble birth, but evolved to mean morally or socially unworthy.

Kelly Says

This word is the opposite of 'noble,' but here's the twist—'noble' originally just meant 'well-known' in Latin before it got attached to high-ranking families, so 'ignoble' literally means someone you wouldn't want to be known for!

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