shameful

adjective

shame·ful | \ ˈshām-fəl

Definition of shameful

1a : bringing shame : disgraceful

b : arousing the feeling of shame

2 archaic : full of the feeling of shame : ashamed

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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

The end of internet-free living means that many of each of our most shameful moments have been documented and preserved. — WSJ, "Dissecting the College Scandal," 12 Feb. 2019 Given that medical bills are the number one cause of bankruptcy in this country, of course health-care costs fuel the already shameful wealth disparity between people of color and white Americans. — Nina Turner, Vogue, "Why Universal Health Care, Higher Wages, and Free Public Education Are Crucial Issues for Black Women," 3 May 2019 Michelle Alexander uncovered this shameful truth in her book The New Jim Crow. — Alicia Garza, Marie Claire, "Alicia Garza on How Women Are Battling Mass Incarceration," 30 Apr. 2019 Crediting their future gratitude for his present need to feel validated is shameful. — WSJ, "Thanks, Mom and Dad, for Not Oversharing My Life," 12 Apr. 2019 Given this miracle, the Chemnitz marches should be viewed like Charlottesville: ugly, shameful and terrifying, but not a threat to the democratic fabric. — Josef Joffe, WSJ, "Is Germany Slouching Toward Weimar Again?," 23 Sep. 2018 There’s nothing shameful or disgusting about your period. — Korin Miller, SELF, "Can I Get a Pelvic Exam or Pap Smear on My Period?," 7 Jan. 2019 And as Johannes flees the city in an attempt to escape persecution, his sister Marin refuses to say goodbye, crumbling under the weight of her own shameful secret. — Caroline Hallemann, Town & Country, "The Miniaturist Star Anya Taylor-Joy Talks Marin's Secret and This Episode's Most Shocking Scene," 17 Sep. 2018 The Pritzker campaign should immediately take down this dishonest and shameful ad. — Rick Pearson, chicagotribune.com, "Rauner calls Pritzker attack ad about Trump immigration policy 'dishonest'," 11 July 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'shameful.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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4 Jun 2019

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

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More Definitions for shameful

shameful

adjective

English Language Learners Definition of shameful

: very bad : bad enough to make someone ashamed

See the full definition for shameful in the English Language Learners Dictionary

shameful

adjective

shame·ful | \ ˈshām-fəl

Kids Definition of shameful

: bringing shame : disgraceful “It would have been shameful to fail … when everyone knew that you could do well.”— Louisa May Alcott, Little Women