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.
Examples of ashamed in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Research shows that people with HS often feel ashamed, unworthy, or even unloveable, and that can ramp up as their symptoms get worse.
—
Ade Onibada, SELF, 12 Apr. 2024
In fact, in coming forward with their own diagnoses, the royals are reminding the public to be vigilant against cancer and to get any suspicions checked out—while simultaneously reaffirming the fact that there is nothing to be ashamed of.
—Rebecca Cope, Vogue, 23 Mar. 2024
Experts agree plastic surgery and other cosmetic procedures are nothing to be ashamed of, and that transparency among celebrities is critical to dismantling unhealthy beauty norms.
—USA TODAY, 22 Mar. 2024
But don’t be ashamed—this is SO common, and there are effective treatments available to you.
—Mara Santilli, SELF, 21 Mar. 2024
Larsa Pippen isn't ashamed to be taking good care of her teenage daughter.
—Angela Andaloro, Peoplemag, 8 Mar. 2024
Kristin Cavallari is not ashamed to be dating a younger man.
—Sadie Bell, Peoplemag, 2 Mar. 2024
The stigma kleptomaniacs face can leave them feeling ashamed, embarrassed or afraid to seek support.
—Mark Travers, Forbes, 27 Feb. 2024
In that moment, Tony appears neither defiant nor ashamed, only a little sad and, perhaps, resigned.
—Mary McNamara, Los Angeles Times, 7 Feb. 2024
Ade Onibada, SELF, 12 Apr. 2024
In fact, in coming forward with their own diagnoses, the royals are reminding the public to be vigilant against cancer and to get any suspicions checked out—while simultaneously reaffirming the fact that there is nothing to be ashamed of.
—Rebecca Cope, Vogue, 23 Mar. 2024
Experts agree plastic surgery and other cosmetic procedures are nothing to be ashamed of, and that transparency among celebrities is critical to dismantling unhealthy beauty norms.
—USA TODAY, 22 Mar. 2024
But don’t be ashamed—this is SO common, and there are effective treatments available to you.
—Mara Santilli, SELF, 21 Mar. 2024
Larsa Pippen isn't ashamed to be taking good care of her teenage daughter.
—Angela Andaloro, Peoplemag, 8 Mar. 2024
Kristin Cavallari is not ashamed to be dating a younger man.
—Sadie Bell, Peoplemag, 2 Mar. 2024
The stigma kleptomaniacs face can leave them feeling ashamed, embarrassed or afraid to seek support.
—Mark Travers, Forbes, 27 Feb. 2024
In that moment, Tony appears neither defiant nor ashamed, only a little sad and, perhaps, resigned.
—Mary McNamara, Los Angeles Times, 7 Feb. 2024
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'ashamed.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near ashamed
Cite this Entry
“Ashamed.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ashamed. Accessed 23 Apr. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
ashamed
adjective1
: feeling shame, guilt, or disgrace
ashamed of my behavior
2
: kept from doing something by an expectation of shame
ashamed to beg
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