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 of shameful

• notorious
• infamous
• shady
• immoral
• criminal
• disgraceful

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

But Marie’s past — her shameful affair with a German soldier during occupation — threatens to catch up with her. — Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 23 July 2026

His comments literally minimizing antisemitism in our country was shameful. — Rachel Wolf, FOXNews.com, 21 July 2026

Through Taylor-Joy’s character, the series reminds us to face ourselves, even the broken and painful bits that feel shameful. — Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 15 July 2026

But how wonderful that this is not a shameful topic or a taboo subject. — Vanessa Etienne, PEOPLE, 14 July 2026

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