ashamed

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "ashamed" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe when you feel ashamed of your own actions, or uncomfortable due to feeling embarrassed or humiliated. For example: "I was so ashamed of myself for my poor performance on the test, I wanted to hide."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Sport

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I felt ashamed.

The New York Times

What the hell was that all about?" A woman's voice is next: "I was ashamed of them".

The Guardian - Sport

Meanwhile, when Nigel Farage sank low with a rant against HIV-positive foreigners, it was Plaid Cymru's Leanne Wood who won applause by telling him he should be ashamed of himself.

The Guardian - Opinion

"I'm ashamed and so sorry for what I have seen in the British press".

The Guardian

Many Australians would feel ashamed and embarrassed that their country was lagging behind other English-speaking countries if Ireland's voters endorse same-sex marriage in this week's referendum, advocates said on Thursday.

The Guardian

There are many such moments in this series, with its focus on children and schools, and David Simon has confessed that he sometimes felt ashamed at the words he put into the young actors' mouths.

The Guardian

It's dangerous, it divides communities and it creates stigma to people who are ill, and I think you ought to be ashamed of yourself," she told him, prompting the first applause of the evening.

The Guardian

I feel ashamed … I am sorry and they'll be sorry too.

The Guardian - Sport

And even Murdoch seems to have become ashamed.

The Guardian - Opinion

That means it's either deliberately pumped into the homes of infirm people who have lost their remotes – unlikely, because they're a notoriously unappealing demographic for advertisers – or people are ashamed of watching it.

The Guardian

Most victims say they don't report it, either because they're embarrassed or ashamed, or because they don't remember what happened and don't believe anything will be done.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "ashamed", consider the intensity of the feeling you want to convey. Words like "mortified" or "remorseful" might be more appropriate for stronger emotions.

Common error

Avoid using "ashamed" when "guilty" is more appropriate. "Ashamed" often relates to how you perceive yourself in the eyes of others, while "guilty" typically focuses on a violation of personal morals or external rules.

Linguistic Context

The adjective "ashamed" primarily functions as a predicate adjective, describing the subject's state of feeling shame or guilt. It often follows a linking verb like "be" or "feel", as demonstrated in Ludwig examples like "I felt ashamed" or "I am ashamed".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Formal & Business

10%

Sport

6%

Less common in

Science

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "ashamed" is a very common adjective used to express feelings of guilt, embarrassment, or regret, primarily within News & Media. According to Ludwig, it's grammatically correct and functions mainly as a predicate adjective. While synonyms like "guilty" and "embarrassed" exist, "ashamed" often implies a deeper sense of wrongdoing or moral failing. When writing, remember to use "ashamed" to describe specific situations and consider the intensity of the feeling you want to convey. Overall, "ashamed" is a versatile and impactful word for expressing negative self-perception.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

feeling regretful

Focuses on the sorrow or disappointment over something that has happened.

feeling guilty

Highlights the sense of having committed a wrong, often leading to shame.

feeling remorseful

Focuses on the feeling of deep regret or guilt for wrongdoing.

feeling humiliated

Emphasizes the experience of being publicly embarrassed or degraded.

feeling disgraced

Suggests a loss of honor or respect due to shameful actions.

chagrined

Suggests a feeling of vexation or embarrassment caused by failure or disappointment.

feeling mortified

Conveys an extreme feeling of embarrassment or shame.

crestfallen

Describes being deeply disappointed and dejected, often stemming from a sense of failure or shame.

feeling sheepish

Indicates a mild feeling of embarrassment or guilt, often in a playful way.

feeling contrite

Highlights a sincere feeling of regret and willingness to atone.

FAQs

How can I use "ashamed" in a sentence?

You can use "ashamed" to describe feeling embarrassment or regret about something you or someone associated with you has done. For instance, "I felt "ashamed" of my behavior at the party".

What are some synonyms for "ashamed"?

Some synonyms for "ashamed" include "guilty", "embarrassed", "remorseful", and "humiliated". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "ashamed of myself"?

Yes, it is perfectly correct and common to say "ashamed of myself". It indicates that you are feeling shame or regret about your own actions or behavior.

What's the difference between "ashamed" and "embarrassed"?

"Ashamed" often implies a deeper sense of wrongdoing or moral failing, while "embarrassed" usually refers to a milder feeling of awkwardness or discomfort in a social situation. You might be "embarrassed" by a minor social faux pas, but "ashamed" of a more significant ethical breach.