disgraces; disgraced; disgracing
1
: to cause (someone) to feel ashamed
Her behavior disgraced [=shamed] the whole family.
2
: to cause (someone or something) to lose or become unworthy of respect or approval
Many feel that the mayor has disgraced the town government by accepting personal favors from local businesspeople.
He felt he had disgraced himself by failing at school.
—often used as (be) disgracedThe administration was disgraced by the scandal.
1
: the condition of feeling ashamed or of losing or becoming unworthy of respect or approval
The secret was protected out of a fear of political disgrace.
The family is enduring the disgrace [=dishonor, shame] of scandal/suicide.
Many feel that the mayor has brought disgrace upon/on the town.
She was forced to leave in disgrace.
2
: something that you are or should be ashamed of
His table manners are a disgrace.
It is an absolute/utter disgrace [=shame] that the city has ignored the problem for so long.
The health-care system is a national disgrace.
It is no disgrace to be poor. [=you should not feel ashamed because you are poor]
—often + toThe politicians responsible for this scandal are a disgrace to their country.
Cite this Entry
“Disgrace.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/disgrace. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.
Copy Citation
