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.

This idea of trying to cultivate a public version of yourself because you’re ashamed of the private version of your self.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 11, 2026

In retrospect, I’m sorry and ashamed that I never spoke with Charles R. I also never saw anyone else do so.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 10, 2026

Hollywood legend Richard Gere on Thursday said he was "ashamed" of the way the United States is handling migration as he launched an initiative to change attitudes to the topic in Berlin.

From Barron's • Jun. 4, 2026

He added he had just touched the summit point and heard someone say "you should be ashamed of yourself".

From BBC • May 28, 2026

“I’m sure you feel ashamed of me. You’ve every right to be, but you mustn’t be ashamed of her. She was a good woman with a good heart.”

From "A Wish in the Dark" by Christina Soontornvat

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