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

The degradation is shameful, and shamefully compelling to read about. — James Wood, New Yorker, 19 Oct. 2026

The squad has not been beefed up at all after a shameful and disgusting transfer window. — Conor O'Neill, New York Times, 15 Oct. 2026

Modern societies can scarcely agree on what is shameful to begin with. — Robert A. Ballingall, The Conversation, 13 Oct. 2026

Rather than treating parental love as an uncomplicated defense, Nathan Elston’s screenplay allows Ursula to acknowledge a more shameful truth. — Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 9 Oct. 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