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Definition of mortifying
mortifying
/ˈmɔːr.tɪ.faɪ.ɪŋ/
mor · ti · fy · ing
Adverb:mortifyingly
mortifying Lexical Profile
CEFR
C1
Grade
9
Tier
2
Usage
Top 10k
Syllables
4
mortifying Game Scores & Validity
Scrabble US
Scrabble UK
WWF
Wordle Guess
• adjective
1
Causing intense embarrassment, shame, or humiliation.
Example
"Forgetting the lyrics in the middle of the solo was a mortifying experience for the young singer."
Synonyms
View all synonyms for mortifying Antonyms
View all antonyms for mortifyingWord Origin & Etymology
Derived from the verb 'mortify', which comes via Old French from Late Latin 'mortificare' ('to cause death' or 'to subdue the flesh'), combining Latin 'mors' ('death') and 'facere' ('to make').
Cite this Entry
Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Mortifying. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/mortifying