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

• 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

On Friday, August 15th, 2025, in Alaska, Americans saw a shameful moment. —Andy J. Semotiuk, Forbes.com, 17 Aug. 2025

The film deals with a range of ideas within the Chinese-American community regarding mental health, from the son’s Chinese therapist to Irene’s friend who believes he should be treated with herbs and chanting to others in the community who just see his schizophrenia as shameful. —John Bleasdale, Variety, 15 Aug. 2025

That was a shameful, cynical act of political cowardice and corruption. —Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 12 Aug. 2025

Mailman is also a shameful revelation of the inexcusable working conditions that letter carriers are subjected to: The injury rate for postal workers is higher than for coal miners. —Tyler Austin Harper, The Atlantic, 1 Aug. 2025

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