Definitions

ashamed

[uh-sheymd] / əˈʃeɪmd /

ADJECTIVE

regretting, remorseful

Synonyms

STRONGEST

apologetic bashful contrite distraught distressed embarrassed guilty hesitant humble humbled humiliated regretful reluctant repentant shy sorry

WEAK

abashed blushing chagrined compunctious conscience-stricken crestfallen debased demeaned discomfited disconcerted flustered meek mortified muddled penitent shamed shamefaced sheepish stammering stuttering submissive

Antonyms

STRONGEST

calm glad happy joyful unrepentant unshy

WEAK

bold defiant immodest not sorry shameless unregretful unremorseful unself-conscious

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

As Enchassi waited to learn his friend’s fate, a thought kept nagging at him—an impulse he felt ashamed of, but found impossible to ignore.

From Slate • Apr. 19, 2026

"I know there are many who use 'socialist' as a dirty word, something to be ashamed of," the 34-year-old told a packed room in Queens.

From Barron's • Apr. 13, 2026

In interviews, he has emphasized that his time working at Trader Joe’s was never something to be ashamed of, but rather only something others chose to misunderstand.

From Salon • Apr. 4, 2026

When asked if she is ashamed of the figures, the deputy first minister said "we should all be".

From BBC • Mar. 26, 2026

“I’m ashamed of being his daughter,” Delia added.

From "Summer of the Mariposas" by Guadalupe García McCall

Vocabulary lists containing ashamed

In the Mood? 100 Words to Describe Emotions

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Feeling Sorry?

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Hooked on a Feeling, List 1

Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!