shame

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "shame" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a feeling of guilt or embarrassment about something that has happened or been done. Example: "There is no shame in asking for help when you need it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Lifestyle

Sport

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

That would be a shame.

The New York Times

Which is a shame.

The New York Times - Books

A shame.

The New York Times - Books

There is no shame in that.

The New York Times - Sports

It was clear from their stories that it was usually women themselves hiding menstruation behind silence and shame.

The Guardian - Opinion

It's a shame that all those things have gone.

The Guardian

And it's a shame Eric Schmidt isn't here to hear me say this direct: when Google goes to extraordinary lengths to avoid paying its taxes, I say it's wrong.

The Guardian - Business

"It's a shame, disgusting, low-level, has nothing to do with reality," she told the Guardian.

The Guardian

Such things tend to put to shame what went before but it has already become a familiar story.

The Guardian - Sport

But, as Kauder Nalebuff's book illustrates, this is a subject long mired in shame and confusion – there are girls who know nothing about periods until their first one arrives, and assume it is a sign of impending death.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Nothing less than a win against the Czech Republic will do for them, else they'll be exiting their own tournament at the first hurdle and while we make every attempt to maintain neutrality in these parts, it would be a dreadful shame if a side that has played some cracking football in their first two games leaves us now.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "shame" to evoke strong emotional responses, particularly when discussing moral or ethical issues.

Common error

Avoid using "shame" too casually, as it carries a strong emotional weight. Opt for milder terms like "pity" or "disappointment" in less serious situations.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "shame" is as a noun, referring to a painful feeling of humiliation or distress caused by the consciousness of wrong or foolish behavior. It can also function as a verb, meaning to cause someone to feel shame. As Ludwig AI explains, it follows standard grammar rules.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Sport

25%

Lifestyle

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "shame" is a versatile term that primarily functions as a noun, expressing feelings of disgrace, humiliation, or regret. It is frequently used in News & Media, Sport, and Lifestyle contexts. Ludwig AI indicates that the usage of "shame" follows standard grammar rules, further supported by its widespread presence in reputable sources such as The Guardian and The New York Times. While its register is generally neutral, sensitivity to its emotional weight is crucial. When writing, be mindful of overusing "shame" in casual conversations and opting for milder terms when appropriate. Understanding its grammatical function and communicative purpose ensures effective and impactful use of the word.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

disgrace

This alternative is a stronger term suggesting a loss of reputation or honor.

humiliation

This focuses on the feeling of being lowered in dignity or pride.

mortification

This implies intense embarrassment and shame.

ignominy

This suggests public disgrace or dishonor.

dishonor

This refers to a loss of honor or integrity.

remorse

This focuses on the feeling of regret for wrongdoing.

guilt

This emphasizes the feeling of responsibility for a wrong action.

disrepute

This suggests a state of being held in low esteem.

regret

This conveys a feeling of sorrow or disappointment over something that has happened.

embarrassment

This is a milder form of shame, often related to social situations.

FAQs

How can I use "shame" in a sentence?

You can use "shame" to describe a feeling of guilt or embarrassment, as in, "I felt deep shame after lying to my friend", or to describe something regrettable, as in, "It's a shame that the event was canceled".

What's the difference between "shame" and "guilt"?

"Shame" is a feeling of being flawed or unworthy, while "guilt" is the feeling of having done something wrong. Shame is about who you are, while guilt is about what you did.

What can I say instead of "it's a shame"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "it's a "pity"", "it's unfortunate", or "it's regrettable".

When is it appropriate to use "shame on you"?

"Shame on you" is used to express disapproval or reprimand someone for their actions. It's often used when someone has behaved in a way that is considered morally wrong or inappropriate.