ashamed

adjective

ə-ˈshāmd 

1

a

: feeling shame, guilt, or disgrace

She felt ashamed for hitting her brother.

You should be ashamed of yourself.

Losing is nothing to be ashamed of.

He was deeply ashamed of his behavior.

b

: feeling inferior or unworthy

2

: reluctant or unwilling to do something because of shame or embarrassment

I was ashamed to be seen with him.

I'm not ashamed to admit that I don't know the answer.

ashamedly

ə-ˈshā-məd-lē 

adverb

Synonyms

• guilty
• shamed
• shamefaced

Examples of ashamed in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

What follows is a study in guilt, responsibility, and anguish, all told in ashamed interiority on Murphy’s face. —Joe Reid, Vulture, 10 Dec. 2024

When parents don’t replicate these behaviors in real life, kids might feel disappointed or even ashamed. —Holly Garcia, Parents, 5 Dec. 2024

Justice was not served in this case and Joe Biden should be ashamed. —Todd Spangler, Detroit Free Press, 2 Dec. 2024

Having physical limits is a normal part of being human and nothing to be ashamed of! —Tarot.com, Sun Sentinel, 24 Nov. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Old English āscamod, past participle of āscamian to shame, from ā- (perfective prefix) + scamian to shame — more at abide, shame

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Kids Definition

ashamed

adjective

ə-ˈshāmd 

1

: feeling shame, guilt, or disgrace

ashamed of my behavior

2

: kept from doing something by an expectation of shame

ashamed to beg

ashamedly

-ˈshā-məd-lē 

adverb