adj Uncommon

disgraceful

dihs-GRAYS-fuh

Disgraceful (adj) means Shameful; deserving strong criticism. Example: “It was disgraceful how they treated the staff.”

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adj

Shameful; deserving strong criticism.

"It was disgraceful how they treated the staff."

"The referee called the tackle a disgraceful act of violence."

How to use disgraceful

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishSo bad or shameful that it deserves condemnation.

Common pairings

disgraceful behavior absolutely disgraceful

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Word forms

more disgraceful comparative, disgracefuller comparative, most disgraceful superlative, disgracefullest superlative

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Fill the gap

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It was _____ how they treated the staff.

Etymology

From disgrace plus the suffix -ful, meaning "full of disgrace."

Rhymes for disgraceful

useful woeful eyeful careful hopeful hateful fateful grateful spiteful forceful graceful wasteful

See all rhymes for disgraceful →

Frequently asked questions

What does “disgraceful” mean?

The word “disgraceful” means shameful; deserving strong criticism. In plain terms, so bad or shameful that it deserves condemnation.

How do you pronounce “disgraceful”?

“Disgraceful” is pronounced dihs-GRAYS-fuh ([dɪsˈɡɹeɪsfəɫ] in IPA).

How do you use “disgraceful” in a sentence?

Here is “disgraceful” used in a sentence: “It was disgraceful how they treated the staff.”

What part of speech is “disgraceful”?

“Disgraceful” is an adjective.

Is “disgraceful” a common word?

“Disgraceful” is an uncommon word in modern English.