hubris

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "hubris" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is a noun that means excessive pride or arrogance. For example, "After his team won the championship, Mark was accused of hubris for gloating about it in the press."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But her supporters and her party have not yet learned the lessons of her act of hubris.

The Guardian - Opinion

With work on the bridge running late, the project is viewed by some as having parallels with Hull's quest to become the UK's city of culture: a costly act of hubris.

The Guardian

His prediction that his coalition would take power in September 2008 by persuading MPs from the government coalition smacked of hubris and the takeover failed to materialise.

The Guardian - Opinion

In an earlier session, Lord Owen delved into medical detail about the 20th century's political leaders, from Winston Churchill dictating memos to his secretary while he lay naked in the bath, a common manifestation, apparently, of bipolar disorder, to John F Kennedy concealing a life-threatening disease from voters all the way through to Blair's messianic hubris.

The Guardian - Opinion

No, it's hard to feel anything but pity for the Green party because their one MP might lose her job specifically because people rebel against celebrity hubris.

The Guardian

"With vision comes hubris," says Reynolds of a man who, to promote his vision of a new world order based around the United Nations and to counter what he saw as the European vice of imperialism, stood for a fourth term even as his health failed.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Fawned over, hailed as a genius, he indulged his hubris.

The Guardian - Money

This is what allows Wall Street hubris, in many cases: the conviction that wrongdoers won't be caught, and if they are, that they'll get off easy.

The Guardian - Opinion

Yet no scriptwriter of such a crime and corruption movie would have dared to so overdo the hubris as to have the president topple himself in the very week Fifa released its own actual movie in America, of self-glorification and Blatter sanctification.

The Guardian - Sport

By 2014, Monis had reached the edge of his hubris.

The Guardian

Dig out the ECB's glossy 2011 annual report and you will find a portrait of an organisation that is already making the transition from self-confidence to hubris.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "hubris", ensure the context clearly supports the claim of excessive pride, not just confidence or ambition. Overuse can weaken its impact.

Common error

Avoid labeling confidence or justified pride as "hubris". "Hubris" specifically implies a dangerous level of arrogance that leads to downfall. Use a word like "confidence" or "ambition" if the situation involves a positive goal.

Linguistic Context

"Hubris" serves as a noun, typically functioning as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a state of excessive pride or arrogance, often with negative consequences. As Ludwig AI confirms, the usage is correct and frequent in the English language.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

63%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

17%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "hubris" is a noun denoting excessive pride or arrogance, often leading to a downfall. As Ludwig AI states, its usage is grammatically sound and common in English. Primarily found in news and formal contexts, it serves to analyze and critique situations where overconfidence results in negative consequences. To avoid misusing the term, remember that "hubris" is more than just confidence; it's a dangerous level of pride. Alternatives like "arrogance" or "excessive pride" may be more appropriate depending on the context. It's crucial to assess whether true arrogance and a consequential downfall are genuinely present before applying the label of "hubris".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

excessive pride

Emphasizes the heightened degree of pride, suggesting it surpasses reasonable limits.

overweening arrogance

Highlights arrogance as the dominant trait, amplified to an extreme level.

presumptuousness

Focuses on the act of overstepping boundaries due to unwarranted confidence.

conceit

Implies a high opinion of oneself, often unjustified.

vanity

Stresses excessive admiration of one's own appearance or achievements.

superiority complex

Describes a belief in one's inherent superiority over others.

swagger

Implies boastful and arrogant behavior.

high-handedness

Refers to the use of arbitrary power and disregard for others' opinions.

impudence

Highlights the lack of respect and politeness.

pompousness

Indicates excessive self-importance and affected dignity.

FAQs

How is "hubris" typically used in a sentence?

"Hubris" is often used to describe the downfall of a character or organization due to excessive pride. For instance, "The CEO's "hubris" led to the company's collapse".

What are some synonyms for "hubris"?

Alternatives to "hubris" include "arrogance", "excessive pride", "presumption", and "conceit". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "hubris" in formal writing?

Yes, "hubris" is suitable for formal writing. It's a sophisticated term with a clear and well-established meaning, particularly useful in academic or journalistic contexts.

What distinguishes "hubris" from simple pride?

"Hubris" goes beyond simple pride; it signifies an extreme level of arrogance that often leads to negative consequences. Unlike healthy pride, which is a sense of satisfaction in one's accomplishments, "hubris" involves an inflated sense of self-importance and disregard for limitations.