shameful
Worthy of disgrace
Shameful describes actions, situations, or behaviors that cause or deserve shame—a sense of disgrace or dishonor: a shameful display of cowardice, shameful working conditions.
The word carries moral judgment, suggesting something falls short of accepted standards.
What's considered shameful varies by culture and era.
Shameful differs from ashamed, which describes the feeling rather than its cause: He was ashamed of his shameful conduct.
Causing loss of respect
- dishonorableLacking integrity or ethics
- reprehensibleDeserving condemnation
- deplorableDeserving strong disapproval
- contemptibleDeserving strong disrespect
ignominious · discreditable · infamous · inglorious · disreputable · unseemly · indecent · improper
Causing acute embarrassment
- embarrassingCausing awkward self-consciousness
- degradingLowering in worth
- humiliatingCausing painful embarrassment
- demoralizingDestroying confidence or hope
abasing · discomfiting · crushing · undignified · cringe-worthy · ignominious · debasing · lowering
Violating moral standards
- corruptDishonest, open to bribes
- immoralContrary to ethical principles
- depravedMorally corrupt, perverse
- dishonestInclined to deceive
unscrupulous · crooked · underhanded · deceitful · nefarious · iniquitous · ignoble · base
Morally offensive or shocking
- notoriousFamous for negativity
- infamousHaving a terrible reputation
- sensationalArousing intense excitement
- salaciousLewdly interested in intimacy
lurid · shocking · improper · indiscreet · compromising · incriminating · damning · exposing
Feeling guilt for wrongdoing
- guilt-riddenTormented by remorse
- shamefacedShowing visible embarrassment
- contriteFeeling guilt over misdeeds
- penitentOne showing remorse
regretful · apologetic · conscience-stricken · rueful · repentant · chastened · sorrowful · abashed
disgraceful
Causing loss of respect
- dishonorableLacking integrity or ethics
- reprehensibleDeserving condemnation
- deplorableDeserving strong disapproval
contemptible · ignominious · discreditable · infamous · inglorious · disreputable · unseemly · indecent · improper · unworthy
mortifying
Causing acute embarrassment
- embarrassingCausing awkward self-consciousness
- degradingLowering in worth
- humiliatingCausing painful embarrassment
demoralizing · abasing · discomfiting · crushing · undignified · cringe-worthy · ignominious · debasing · lowering · belittling
unethical
Violating moral standards
- corruptDishonest, open to bribes
- immoralContrary to ethical principles
- depravedMorally corrupt, perverse
dishonest · unscrupulous · crooked · underhanded · deceitful · nefarious · iniquitous · ignoble · base · vile
scandalous
Morally offensive or shocking
- notoriousFamous for negativity
- infamousHaving a terrible reputation
- sensationalArousing intense excitement
salacious · lurid · shocking · improper · indiscreet · compromising · incriminating · damning · exposing · revealing
remorseful
Feeling guilt for wrongdoing
- guilt-riddenTormented by remorse
- shamefacedShowing visible embarrassment
- contriteFeeling guilt over misdeeds
penitent · regretful · apologetic · conscience-stricken · rueful · repentant · chastened · sorrowful · abashed · sheepish
- humiliationabasement, embarrassed, chagrin, mortified, degradation
- moral judgmentsgood, evil, wicked, virtuous, moral
- disgustdisgust, disgusting, disgusted, revulsion, repulsion
- scoldingscold, scolding, rebuke, berate, reprimand
- unacceptableunacceptable, inappropriate, improper, wrong, forbidden
- wickedevil, wicked, villainous, malicious, sinister
shamefulreputable
Having a good name
respectable · honorable · prestigious · dignified · esteemed
shamefulproud
Satisfied by accomplishment
glorious · triumphant · gratifying · praiseworthy · admirable