shameful
Shameful (adj) means deserving of shame or disgrace; disgraceful. Example: “It was shameful the way he treated his own family.”
How to use shameful
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishSo bad or wrong that it should make you feel ashamed.
Word forms
more shameful comparative, most shameful superlative
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
It was _____ the way he treated his own family.
Etymology
From Old English sceamfull, built from shame plus the suffix -ful, literally "full of shame."
Related words
Rhymes for shameful
See all rhymes for shameful →Frequently asked questions
What does “shameful” mean?
The word “shameful” means deserving of shame or disgrace; disgraceful. In plain terms, so bad or wrong that it should make you feel ashamed.
How do you pronounce “shameful”?
“Shameful” is pronounced SHAYM-fuhl (/ˈʃeɪmfəl/ in IPA).
How do you use “shameful” in a sentence?
Here is “shameful” used in a sentence: “It was shameful the way he treated his own family.”
What is another word for “shameful”?
Words with a similar meaning to “shameful” include despicable.
What part of speech is “shameful”?
“Shameful” is an adjective.
Where does the word “shameful” come from?
The word “shameful” comes from Old English. From Old English sceamfull, built from shame plus the suffix -ful, literally "full of shame.".
Is “shameful” a common word?
“Shameful” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
What is the difference between shameful and shameless?
Shameful describes something deserving of shame or disgrace, such as an action that is disgraceful. Shameless describes a person or act that shows no shame or embarrassment at all, which is almost the opposite quality.
Is shameful stronger than embarrassing?
Yes. Shameful implies a moral judgment that something is disgraceful and deserving of shame, while embarrassing simply describes discomfort or awkwardness without necessarily implying wrongdoing.
Can shameful describe both actions and situations?
Yes. Shameful can describe an action, such as shameful behaviour, or a broader situation or state of affairs, such as a shameful lack of resources, as long as it is deserving of shame or disgrace.