Word
shamed
US/ˈʃeɪmd/
UK/ʃˈeɪmd/
Definition
adj. feeling very embarrassed or guilty because you have done something bad or lost your reputation.
adj. feeling or showing a sense of deep humiliation or loss of face due to one's own actions or the judgment of others.
Examples
“He felt shamed by his poor behavior at the party.”
“The politician stood before the cameras, looking visibly shamed as he apologized for the scandal that ended his career.”
“In many traditional societies, the fear of being shamed in front of the community acts as a more powerful deterrent against crime than the threat of formal legal punishment.”
Examples
simple
“He felt shamed by his poor behavior at the party.”
contextual
“The politician stood before the cameras, looking visibly shamed as he apologized for the scandal that ended his career.”
complex
“In many traditional societies, the fear of being shamed in front of the community acts as a more powerful deterrent against crime than the threat of formal legal punishment.”
Pitfall
He felt shamed of his behavior.
He felt ashamed of his behavior.
Use 'ashamed' to describe a personal feeling of guilt. 'Shamed' often implies that the feeling comes from being judged or exposed by others.
Real-World Examples
“A few said relatives shamed them if they used water from the faucet.” Synonyms
Antonyms
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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