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Humility in Irish (Umhlaíocht): Meaning, Pronunciation, Usage

‘umhlaíocht’ also means: obedience

The Irish for humility is umhlaíocht, a feminine noun.
Updated October 2026Report a mistake

How to say “humility” in Irish

Irish:
umhlaíocht
English:
humility, obedience
Word type:
noun
Gender:
feminine, third declension
Pronunciation:
“OOL-ee-ukht”  /ˈuːlˠiəxt̪ˠ/
Various forms
Genitive singular:
umhlaíochta, na humhlaíochta (e.g. suáilce na humhlaíochta, the virtue of humility)

What does “umhlaíocht” mean?

“Umhlaíocht” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.

humility
The quality of being humble and not proud.Also: humbleness, meekness, lowliness.
1 other meaning: obedience
2obedience
Willingness to obey or submit to someone.Also: submission, submissiveness, deference.

“Umhlaíocht” with the article

Here is umhlaíocht after the article (an t-alt).

an umhlaíocht
the humility
No change: feminine nouns starting with a vowel keep their form after an

“Umhlaíocht” in a sentence: Irish examples

Common Irish sentences using umhlaíocht, the Irish word for humility.

Is mór an bua í an umhlaíocht.
Humility is a great virtue.
Labhair sé le humhlaíocht mhór.
He spoke with great humility.
Bhí umhlaíocht le feiceáil ina súile.
Humility could be seen in her eyes.
Ghabh sí leithscéal le humhlaíocht.
She apologised humbly.
Níl mórán umhlaíochta ag baint leis.
There isn't much humility about him.
Ba chomhartha umhlaíochta é a cheann a chromadh.
Bowing his head was a sign of humility.
D'éiligh an máistir umhlaíocht ó na seirbhísigh.
The master demanded obedience from the servants.

Other nouns in Irish

More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.

Humility in Irish: frequently asked questions

What is the Irish for humility?

The Irish for humility is umhlaíocht (pronounced “OOL-ee-ukht”). It’s a feminine noun. Depending on context it can also mean obedience.

How do you pronounce umhlaíocht in Irish?

Umhlaíocht is said like “OOL-ee-ukht” (IPA /ˈuːlˠiəxt̪ˠ/).

Does umhlaíocht have a plural?

No plural form is given for umhlaíocht in the standard. Many abstract and mass nouns in Irish have no plural.

Does umhlaíocht have more than one meaning?

Yes. Umhlaíocht can mean humility or obedience, depending on context; the first is the most common.

Why does umhlaíocht sometimes have a t or h in front of it?

Irish nouns beginning with a vowel take a prefix after certain words: an umhlaíocht (the humility), a humhlaíocht (her humility), a n-umhlaíocht (their humility).

What is the difference between umhlaíocht and uirísle?

Umhlaíocht is humility as a virtue, or obedience; uirísle often suggests lowliness or abasement.

What does 'dul ar an umhlaíocht' mean?

It means to swallow one's pride or humble oneself, as in 'Chuaigh sé ar an umhlaíocht'.

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