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

Cleft palates appear not to have been treated as shameful under the Qing dynasty. — Ann Manov, Harpers Magazine, 23 June 2026

That poor driver had to listen to me sniffle in shameful despair all the way back to the city. — Paige Williams, New Yorker, 22 June 2026

The Chief Financial Officer of Florida, Blaise Ingoglia, continues his dog and pony show around the state claiming to have unearthed shameful, excessive spending by counties and municipalities. — Letters To The Editor, The Orlando Sentinel, 20 June 2026

The landmark, a reminder of a shameful portion of the nation’s past, was nearly removed. — Voice Of The People, New York Daily News, 19 June 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