How to Use Hubris (Definition, Examples & Quiz)

What does the word hubris mean?

Hubris (noun, pronounced hyoo-briss) describes excessive pride, arrogance, or self-confidence—especially when it leads someone to overestimate their own abilities or importance.

When someone acts with hubris, they behave overconfidently, often to the point of being reckless or dismissive of others.

This word appears often in literature, history, and psychology to point out a flaw that leads to downfall or trouble.

Hubris or arrogance?

While hubris and arrogance are similar, hubris usually means pride so extreme that it invites consequences—often dramatic or tragic.

In Greek tragedy, hubris was a fatal flaw: a hero’s excessive pride angered the gods and led to their downfall. Arrogance can simply mean an inflated sense of self, and doesn’t always bring disaster.

You might hear hubris in phrases like 'blinded by hubris' or 'a cautionary tale of hubris', often warning against overconfidence.

Example sentences: hubris

The CEO's hubris led the company to take unnecessary risks.

Blinded by hubris, the explorer ignored all warnings and ventured into dangerous territory.

The politician's downfall was a classic case of hubris.

After defeating numerous opponents, a budding sense of hubris had resulted her acting hastily, which led to an untimely demise.

Quotes from the media with 'hubris'

But that’s the gist of what they would be asked to do, which bespeaks no small amount of hubris on Newsom’s part.
—From "Gavin Newsom Is Threatening to End-Run California Voters", LA Times

What began as a wild experiment — equal parts hope and hubris — has always depended on the willingness of ordinary people to imagine something better and then actually try to build it.
—"Prophets, Not Spectators: The Class of 2025 and the Work of Repair", F. Willis Johnson, 10 July 2025, Fulcrum

Every “Alien” movie is a cautionary story about scientific hubris, with humans racing to harness the xenomorph’s potential as a bioweapon. —"All the 'Alien' Movies Ranked from Worst to Best", Salon

Word origin

The origin of 'hubris' traces back to ancient Greece, where the word (hybris) described outrageous arrogance, especially that which offended the gods.

In classical literature and myth, hubris was punished by divine retribution. Over time, the concept entered English to describe not only literary pride but any excessive self-assurance that leads to trouble.

Today, it's a common term in psychology, leadership studies, and cultural commentary, warning against the dangers of unchecked pride.