English Reference
adjective

shamed

adj.
US /ˈʃeɪmd/ UK /ʃˈeɪmd/ shamed

  1. 01 B2 Upper Intermediate

    feeling very embarrassed or guilty because you have done something bad or lost your reputation.

    feeling or showing a sense of deep humiliation or loss of face due to one's own actions or the judgment of others.

    Simple

    The shamed politician resigned from his job after the scandal became public.

    In context

    The shamed executive retreated from public life, unable to face the colleagues he had once led with such confidence.

    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.

A few said relatives shamed them if they used water from the faucet.

The Conversation· 20 Aug 2026
This entry
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Frequent
Updated