# abashment

CEFR C2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/abashment
Updated: 2026-05-02

## Definition

a feeling of being embarrassed or ashamed. You might feel this after making a mistake in front of other people.

For teachers: a state of embarrassment, confusion, or shame. Often used to describe the visible or internal reaction to a social faux pas.

## Examples

- He looked away in abashment after his mistake.
- She felt a wave of abashment when she realized she had been calling her new boss by the wrong name all morning.
- The speaker's initial abashment at the technical failure quickly vanished as the audience began to cheer in support of his improvised explanation.

## Usage notes

- Typically functions as an uncountable noun; frequently follows the preposition 'in' to describe a person's reaction.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.