shameful

adjective

shame·​ful ˈshām-fəl How to pronounce shameful (audio)
Synonyms of shamefulnext
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Why would that be a shameful identity to have? Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 15 Mar. 2026 This shocking cowardice and sheer abandonment of any pretense of ethics or values are rendered even more shameful when considering that Noem was brought down by polls, likely more than anything else. Chicago Tribune, 10 Mar. 2026 Take the show’s unflinching portrayal of Black maternal mortality, one of America’s most shameful healthcare crises. Robert Raben, Fortune, 26 Feb. 2026 Johanna’s mother felt the mother in the painting resembled her and implied something shameful about their family. Elaine Blair, Harpers Magazine, 24 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for shameful

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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Shameful.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/shameful. Accessed 18 Mar. 2026.

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

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