shame
SHAYM
Shame (noun) means a painful feeling of embarrassment or guilt caused by awareness of having done something wrong or improper. Example: “He felt a deep shame after lying to his parents.”
noun
1
A painful feeling of embarrassment or guilt caused by awareness of having done something wrong or improper.
"He felt a deep shame after lying to his parents."
"She hung her head in shame when the teacher read out her mistake."
"There is no shame in asking for help when you are lost."
2
A regrettable or disappointing situation (often as an exclamation).
"It's a shame you couldn't make it to the wedding."
"What a shame the weather turned so bad on the day of the picnic."
"It would be a shame to waste all this food."
verb
1
To cause someone to feel shame, or to publicly criticize them for something.
"The article was accused of trying to shame the actress over her weight."
"Please do not shame your little brother for making a mistake."
"The online post tried to shame the shop for its slow service."
How to use shame
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA painful feeling of guilt or embarrassment, or — as an expression — used to say something is disappointing.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
a crying shame
shame on you
put to shame
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Word forms
- Plural
- shames
- Third person singular
- shames
- Past tense
- shamed
- Comparative
- more shame
- Superlative
- most shame
- Archaic forms
- shamest, shamedst, shameth
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
He felt a deep _____ after lying to his parents.
Etymology
From Old English sceamu, going back to a common Germanic root for the feeling of shame.
Synonyms
View more →
guilt
humiliation
remorse
mortification
dishonor
attaint
disgrace
dishonour
also: Thesaurus:shame
abasement
embarrassment
ignominy
Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for shame
See all rhymes for shame →Frequently asked questions
What does “shame” mean?
The word “shame” means a painful feeling of embarrassment or guilt caused by awareness of having done something wrong or improper. In plain terms, a painful feeling of guilt or embarrassment, or — as an expression — used to say something is disappointing.
How do you pronounce “shame”?
“Shame” is pronounced SHAYM (/ˈʃeɪ̯m/ in IPA).
How do you use “shame” in a sentence?
Here is “shame” used in a sentence: “He felt a deep shame after lying to his parents.”
What is another word for “shame”?
Words with a similar meaning to “shame” include also: Thesaurus:shame, abasement, disgrace, dishonour, embarrassment and ignominy.
What is the opposite of “shame”?
The opposite of “shame” — its antonyms — are honor, exaltation and dignify.
What part of speech is “shame”?
Depending on how it is used, “shame” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “shame” come from?
The word “shame” comes from Old English. From Old English sceamu, going back to a common Germanic root for the feeling of shame.
Is “shame” a common word?
“Shame” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
What is the difference between shame and guilt?
Guilt is feeling bad about something you did — a specific action you regret. Shame is feeling bad about who you are, a sense that the self is flawed or exposed. Guilt says I did something wrong; shame says I am wrong. This is why shame tends to cut deeper and feel more personal.
What is the difference between shame and embarrassment?
Embarrassment is a lighter, passing discomfort after an awkward or clumsy moment, often in front of others. Shame is deeper and more painful, tied to a sense of having done real wrong or being unworthy. You might feel embarrassed by a trip in public, but ashamed of betraying someone's trust.
Is shame good or bad?
Shame is painful, but it is not simply bad. In small doses it signals that we have crossed our own moral lines and nudges us to make amends. Persistent or excessive shame, however, can damage self-worth and mental health. Its value depends on whether it guides us or overwhelms us.
What is the opposite of shame?
The clearest opposite is pride — a positive sense of worth in oneself or one's actions. Depending on context, dignity, self-respect, or honor also stand against shame. Where shame makes us want to hide, these feelings let us stand openly and comfortably before others.
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