Definition

Causing feelings of shame or disgrace; something that is considered wrong or embarrassing.

Example

His behavior at the party was truly shameful and upset many of his friends.

Conversation

Did you see the news about that shameful behavior at the event last night?

Yes, I can't believe people would act like that in public.

It really reflects poorly on everyone involved, doesn't it?

Absolutely, I think it’s shameful how some folks just don’t care about their actions.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Shameful → It is formed from "shame" (from Old English "sceamu", meaning a painful feeling of humiliation or distress caused by the consciousness of wrong or foolish behavior) and "-ful" (meaning full of). The word "shameful" means full of shame or deserving of shame.

Memory Tip

Think of feeling 'full of' ('-ful') a painful feeling of humiliation ('shame') — that's why shameful means deserving of shame.

Visually Confused Words