ashamed

adjective

ə-ˈshāmd 

1

a

: feeling shame, guilt, or disgrace

She felt ashamed for hitting her brother.

You should be ashamed of yourself.

Losing is nothing to be ashamed of.

He was deeply ashamed of his behavior.

b

: feeling inferior or unworthy

2

: reluctant or unwilling to do something because of shame or embarrassment

I was ashamed to be seen with him.

I'm not ashamed to admit that I don't know the answer.

ashamedly

ə-ˈshā-məd-lē 

adverb

Synonyms

• guilty
• shamed
• shamefaced

Examples of ashamed in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The documentary follows their journey, focusing not only on the two core members but also on the importance of being special, without feeling ashamed. —Matthew Carey, Deadline, 20 Feb. 2025

Sean Ono Lennon isn't ashamed to have famous parents. —Nicholas Rice, People.com, 15 Feb. 2025

Once again, our country should be ashamed and embarrassed by its president. —Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 11 Feb. 2025

Looking back, Swanson isn’t ashamed to have gone through a bankruptcy. —Kamaron McNair,mickey Todiwala, CNBC, 11 Feb. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Old English āscamod, past participle of āscamian to shame, from ā- (perfective prefix) + scamian to shame — more at abide, shame

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for ashamed

• counterclaimed
• unashamed
• abovenamed
• acclaimed
• declaimed
• defamed
• disclaimed
• exclaimed
• inflamed
• misnamed
• nicknamed
• proclaimed

Kids Definition

ashamed

adjective

ə-ˈshāmd 

1

: feeling shame, guilt, or disgrace

ashamed of my behavior

2

: kept from doing something by an expectation of shame

ashamed to beg

ashamedly

-ˈshā-məd-lē 

adverb