shameful

adjective

shame·​ful ˈshām-fəl How to pronounce shameful (audio)
1
a
: bringing shame : disgraceful
b
: arousing the feeling of shame
2
archaic : full of the feeling of shame : ashamed
shamefully adverb
shamefulness noun

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 Florida’s behavior during the COVID epidemic was shameful and DeSantis led the way. Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board, Orlando Sentinel, 17 July 2024 The war has also exposed the shameful truth that NATO’s European members are unprepared for a new combat environment that combines innovative technologies such as artificial intelligence with low-tech but lethal drones and century-old artillery. Robert C. O’Brien, Foreign Affairs, 18 June 2024 Lawfare, as practiced by politically ambitious prosecutors, is shameful and a threat to the principles of our justice system. Chris West, Baltimore Sun, 5 July 2024 All of them, save Fani, see this as a shameful night job — more a chance to improve their circumstances than to avenge them. David Ehrlich, IndieWire, 3 July 2024 See all Example Sentences for shameful 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'shameful.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of shameful was in the 13th century

Dictionary Entries Near shameful

Cite this Entry

“Shameful.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/shameful. Accessed 26 Jul. 2024.

Kids Definition

shameful

adjective
shame·​ful ˈshām-fəl How to pronounce shameful (audio)
1
: bringing shame
shameful behavior
2
: arousing the feeling of shame
a shameful sight
shamefully adverb
shamefulness
-fəl-nəs
noun

More from Merriam-Webster on shameful

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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