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

Welcome to the era of the pimple patch, where blemishes aren’t shameful secrets to conceal but just part of the human experience. —Boutayna Chokrane, WIRED, 27 Nov. 2024

This is a shameful ruse by Christian nationalists in Texas who see the schools as a mission field. —Kiara Alfonseca, ABC News, 22 Nov. 2024

Not holding my breath for Mike Johnson or Elise Stefanik to state the obvious that this is unacceptable, dangerous, & shameful. —Marco Rubio, Newsweek, 1 Nov. 2024

Wisconsin tribal leaders applaud Biden's apology for shameful Indian boarding schools In 2020, both the Biden and Trump campaigns made efforts to address Indigenous issues. —Frank Vaisvilas, Journal Sentinel, 1 Nov. 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