# shameful

/ˈʃeɪmfəɫ/ (US) · /ʃˈeɪmfəl/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/shameful
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. disgraceful

adjective · CEFR B2

very bad or dishonest in a way that should make someone feel ashamed.

For teachers: meriting disgrace or strong moral disapproval due to a violation of ethical or social standards.

- The company's treatment of its oldest employees was truly shameful.
- The investigation revealed a shameful pattern of corruption that had been ignored by the board for over a decade.

### 2. shocking or offensive

adjective · CEFR B2

so bad that it is shocking or offends people's sense of what is right.

For teachers: highly offensive or scandalous in nature; often used to describe public conduct or systemic failures.

- It is shameful that so many people are still living in such poor conditions.
- The politician's shameful remarks regarding the tragedy drew immediate condemnation from leaders across the globe.

## Examples

- It is shameful to treat animals so poorly.
- The company's decision to ignore safety warnings was a shameful act of negligence that put many lives at risk.
- Historians often reflect on the shameful treatment of minority groups during that era, noting how systemic prejudice was codified into the very laws meant to protect the citizenry.

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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.