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 of ashamed

• guilty

Examples of ashamed in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Additionally, Williams feels proud of how her transparency has helped others not feel ashamed of doing what’s best for their health, especially considering there's been a lot of controversy surrounding the use of GLP-1 medications. —Vanessa Etienne, PEOPLE, 28 Jan. 2026

As explained above, that’s nothing to be ashamed about with how well the Clippers are playing. —Law Murray, New York Times, 26 Jan. 2026

Going for the black puffer coat is nothing to be ashamed of. —Frances Solá-Santiago, InStyle, 25 Jan. 2026

He would be honored in Alex’ sacrifice, and ashamed of this current administration. —Ivan Pereira, ABC News, 24 Jan. 2026

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

Rhymes for ashamed

• counterclaimed
• unashamed
• abovenamed
• acclaimed
• declaimed
• defamed
• disclaimed
• exclaimed
• inflamed
• misnamed
• nicknamed
• proclaimed

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