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 adverb

Examples of ashamed in a Sentence

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.
The Trump administration's level of sheer corruption is appalling and Paramount should be ashamed of putting its profits over independent journalism. Mekishana Pierre, EW.com, 2 July 2025 Riri’s too ashamed of all the crime she’s enabled since her visit to Wakanda to reach out to her mentor. Stacia Brown, Vulture, 2 July 2025 Hegseth should be ashamed of himself and reverse this immediately. Shane Croucher, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 June 2025 City leaders should be ashamed for letting this issue get so out of hand. U T Readers, San Diego Union-Tribune, 22 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for ashamed

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of ashamed was before the 12th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Ashamed.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ashamed. Accessed 10 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

ashamed

adjective
1
: feeling shame, guilt, or disgrace
ashamed of my behavior
2
: kept from doing something by an expectation of shame
ashamed to beg
ashamedly adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on ashamed

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