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adj Uncommon

shameless

SHAYM-lihs

Shameless (adj) means feeling or showing no shame or embarrassment, even when it would be expected. Example: “She made a shameless attempt to take credit for her colleague's work.”

adj
1
Feeling or showing no shame or embarrassment, even when it would be expected.
"She made a shameless attempt to take credit for her colleague's work."
"His shameless flattery didn't fool anyone."

How to use shameless

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishBold and unashamed about doing something wrong or embarrassing.

Common pairings
shameless flattery shameless self-promotion a shameless liar

Word forms

more shameless comparative, most shameless superlative

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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

She made a _____ attempt to take credit for her colleague's work.

Etymology

From Old English sceamleas, "without shame" — shame plus the suffix -less.

Origin: Old English

Rhymes for shameless

See all rhymes for shameless →

Frequently asked questions

What does “shameless” mean?

The word “shameless” means feeling or showing no shame or embarrassment, even when it would be expected. In plain terms, bold and unashamed about doing something wrong or embarrassing.

How do you pronounce “shameless”?

“Shameless” is pronounced SHAYM-lihs (/ˈʃeɪ̯mlɪs/ in IPA).

How do you use “shameless” in a sentence?

Here is “shameless” used in a sentence: “She made a shameless attempt to take credit for her colleague's work.”

What part of speech is “shameless”?

“Shameless” is an adjective.

Where does the word “shameless” come from?

The word “shameless” comes from Old English. From Old English sceamleas, "without shame" — shame plus the suffix -less.

Is “shameless” a common word?

“Shameless” is an uncommon word in modern English.

Definitions: FreeDict original editorial