shameful

adjective

shame·​ful ˈshām-fəl How to pronounce shameful (audio)
1
a
: bringing shame : disgraceful
b
: arousing the feeling of shame
2
archaic : full of the feeling of shame : ashamed
shamefully adverb
shamefulness noun

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
There is no length societies will not go to, no absurd logical leap people won’t take to recast our simple, human act of survival as something dirty and shameful. Amanda Nguyen, TIME, 3 Mar. 2025 That these moral monsters have been welcomed to our shores with open arms is appalling and shameful. Newsweek, 28 Feb. 2025 In other words, grief can make people feel guilty or shameful, so choose to suffer alone. Callum Booth, Forbes, 27 Feb. 2025 With that album and now on a live tour, Rodriguez explores the shameful stereotyping of both women and artists. Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 22 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for shameful

Word History

First Known Use

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of shameful was in the 13th century

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Cite this Entry

“Shameful.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/shameful. Accessed 10 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

shameful

adjective
shame·​ful ˈshām-fəl How to pronounce shameful (audio)
1
: bringing shame
shameful behavior
2
: arousing the feeling of shame
a shameful sight
shamefully adverb
shamefulness
-fəl-nəs
noun

More from Merriam-Webster on shameful

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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