shameful

adjective

shame·​ful ˈshām-fəl 

1

a

: bringing shame : disgraceful

b

: arousing the feeling of shame

2

archaic : full of the feeling of shame : ashamed

shamefully

ˈshām-fə-lē 

adverb

shamefulness noun

Synonyms

• discreditable
• disgraceful
• dishonorable
• disreputable
• ignominious
• infamous
• louche
• notorious
• opprobrious
• shady
• shoddy
• shy
• unrespectable

Examples of shameful in a Sentence

There is no excuse for such shameful behavior.

shameful behavior by a bunch of drunken boors

Recent Examples on the Web

This is the beginning of the end of this shameful money grab. —Jay Stahl, USA TODAY, 14 Dec. 2024

Once more layering the frame with oxidized textures redolent of water damage and mirror rot, his exacting compositions suggest a pained present becoming shameful history before the very eyes of its participants. —Guy Lodge, Variety, 12 Dec. 2024

The school opened in 1879, starting a dark and shameful period in U.S. history known as the Indian boarding school era. —Frank Vaisvilas, Journal Sentinel, 11 Dec. 2024

Policymakers should embrace Kessler’s logic, all the while applying it to their shameful attempt to force a TikTok divestiture. —John Tamny, Forbes, 9 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Kids Definition

shameful

adjective

shame·​ful ˈshām-fəl 

1

: bringing shame

shameful behavior

2

: arousing the feeling of shame

a shameful sight

shamefully

-fə-lē 

adverb

shamefulness

-fəl-nəs

noun