Undignified
/ˌʌnˈdɪɡnɪfaɪd/
adjectiveB2
Definition
Undignified means lacking dignity, which is the quality of being calm, serious, and worthy of respect. When a person or action is undignified, it often looks embarrassing, rude, or not proper in a serious or important situation.
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See It in Action
Showing behavior that is embarrassing or not respectful in serious situations
- •His undignified shouting during the meeting surprised everyone.
- •She felt undignified after slipping on the stage during her speech.
- •The undignified fight between the two leaders made the audience uncomfortable.
Lacking the quality of being worthy of respect or honor
- •The prisoner’s undignified treatment was criticized by human rights groups.
- •Losing control of his emotions was undignified for a professional athlete.
Make It Stick
- ✓Think of "undignified" like the opposite of "calm" or "respectful" (A1 words), but more about losing honor or good manners.
- ✓Picture someone tripping and falling loudly in a quiet, formal room — it looks undignified because it breaks the calm and respect expected.
- ✓It's the feeling when you see someone acting silly or rude in a serious place, making others feel uncomfortable.
- ✓Sounds like "un-DIG-nified" → imagine someone digging (dig) a hole for their respect, then losing it.
- ✓Think of a knight in stories who loses his armor or acts badly — no longer dignified, now undignified.
- ✓NOT like "funny" (which can be positive) — undignified is embarrassing or shameful.
- ✓NOT like "rude" only — undignified can be about losing respect through clumsy or silly behavior, not just bad words.
- ✓NOT like "casual" (which is relaxed but okay) — undignified feels wrong or shameful in serious moments.
Try Other Words
- •Disgraceful: very bad and causing shame (Use when the behavior is more serious and causes strong shame)
- •Shameful: causing feelings of guilt or embarrassment (Use when focusing on moral or personal fault)
- •Improper: not correct or suitable (Use when the behavior does not follow rules or expectations)
- •Awkward: uncomfortable or clumsy (Use when the focus is on social discomfort rather than respect)
Unboxing
- •Prefix "un-": means "not" or "opposite of"
- •Root word "dignified": comes from "dignity," meaning being worthy of respect or honor
- •"Dignified" comes from Latin "dignus," meaning worthy
- •"Undignified" formed by adding "un-" to "dignified," meaning "not worthy" or "without dignity"
- •First used in English in the 1600s to describe behavior or appearance lacking respect or honor
- •Today, it describes actions, looks, or behavior that seem embarrassing or not respectful in serious or important situations
Reflect & Connect
•Can an undignified moment ever be funny or positive? Why or why not?
•How do different cultures show what is dignified or undignified behavior?
Fill in the blanks
1.He acted undignified during the ceremony because he ___ control of his emotions.
2.Feeling undignified often happens when someone ___ in front of an important audience.
3.Unlike respectful behavior, undignified actions usually make people feel ___ or uncomfortable.
4.When someone is called undignified, it means they lost ___ or behaved improperly.
5.The undignified noise in the quiet room ___ the serious mood of the event.
6.People try to avoid undignified behavior because it can ___ their reputation.
7.The politician’s undignified response to criticism made many ___ about his professionalism.