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.
The veil between character and self has frayed — bad behavior, even onstage, carries a frisson of shameful unease. Sara Holdren, Vulture, 7 Apr. 2026 The focus of the film is this country’s shameful and destructive mental health system. Rick Kogan, Chicago Tribune, 7 Apr. 2026 Tiger Woods’ rollover crash last week and subsequent DUI charge near his Jupiter Island, Florida, home was shameful and embarrassing enough. Doug Turnbull, AJC.com, 5 Apr. 2026 In short, Saunders suffers from precisely the illness that happens to be the single most famous example of the long, shameful history of African Americans’ neglect by the healthcare system. Literary Hub, 1 Apr. 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 21 Apr. 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

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