sheepish

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sheepish" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe someone who is embarrassed or shy, often in a self-conscious way. Example: "After realizing his mistake, he gave a sheepish smile and apologized."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He looks sheepish and laughs: "Look, were one to say Ruskin's entire view were beside the point, it would be outrageous – ludicrous.

The Guardian - Film

Media outlets that took at face value a BBC reporter's tweet about the Queen's hospitalisation and death, which were released accidentally during an internal "obituary exercise", are feeling a little sheepish right now.

The Guardian

He was sheepish because he was about to open a new theatre in the heart of the same city.

The Guardian

A bit like forgetting Auntie Bettie is coming for Christmas dinner and swiftly squeezing in a space at the kid's table with a plastic garden chair; it's embarrassing, awkward and leaves everyone (including Auntie) feeling sheepish.

The Guardian

Biden embodied that attribute, while Ryan often appeared sheepish, intimidated, and bullied.

The Guardian

Harry Kane was instrumental in elevating Tottenham Hotspur above Liverpool and straight into the group stage of the Europa League while Everton embarked on a sheepish "lap of appreciation" after the final whistle following one more meek display.

The Guardian - Sport

He was rather sheepish about his request.

The Guardian

Arguing in favour of Marx's critique of capitalism might make a budding libertarian a little sheepish.

The Economist

THERE should be plenty of conservative commentators feeling rather sheepish today after reading what Cliven Bundy, a man they had elevated to an avatar of righteous patriotism, had to say about welfare and race:"I want to tell you one more thing I know about the Negro," he said.

The Economist

The authors call this the "sheepish" model of filtering.As governments come to terms with the changes wrought by free services offered by companies like Google services that Egyptians, unlike Americans, may not be able to afford if Mr Lanier's universal payment system were a reality the internet will inevitably splinter and balkanise.

The Economist

Yet the channel's inauguration was the most notable achievement so far of what, in the coming years, is intended to become a far more grandiose diversion scheme: bringing water from the Yangzi basin to the parched north, along channels stretching more than 1,000km.China's leaders have reason to be sheepish.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "sheepish" to describe a momentary feeling of embarrassment or mild guilt, often accompanied by a smile or hesitant demeanor. It is suitable when the person is not deeply ashamed, but rather slightly awkward about something they have done or said.

Common error

Avoid using "sheepish" when a situation calls for expressing deep regret or moral failing. "Sheepish" implies a lighter sense of embarrassment, whereas "shameful" indicates profound disgrace. For truly regrettable acts, consider using "remorseful" or "contrite" instead.

Linguistic Context

The word "sheepish" functions primarily as an adjective. It modifies a noun or pronoun to describe a state of mild embarrassment or shyness, as seen in Ludwig examples, such as "He looks "sheepish" and laughs".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

95%

Formal & Business

3%

Science

2%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The adjective "sheepish" is a versatile term, primarily used to describe a state of mild embarrassment, shyness, or awkwardness. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically sound and frequently appears in diverse contexts, particularly in news and media. While generally neutral in tone, it's crucial to differentiate "sheepish" from stronger terms like "shameful", reserving the former for less severe situations. For more formal settings, consider alternatives like "self-conscious" or "bashful". By understanding these nuances, writers can effectively use "sheepish" to add depth and color to their descriptions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

embarrassed

Direct synonym, focusing on the feeling of awkwardness and shame.

shamefaced

Emphasizes the visible expression of shame.

ashamed

Highlights a stronger feeling of guilt and regret.

guilty

Directly implies responsibility and regret for a wrong action.

remorseful

Focuses on the feeling of regret and sorrow for one's actions.

chagrined

Implies disappointment or humiliation, often due to a mistake.

contrite

Highlights a sincere feeling of remorse and willingness to atone.

self-conscious

Emphasizes awareness of oneself and unease in social situations.

bashful

Highlights shyness and reserve, often in a charming way.

timid

Focuses on a lack of confidence and fear of social interaction.

FAQs

How can I use "sheepish" in a sentence?

You can use "sheepish" to describe someone's demeanor when they are embarrassed or shy. For example: "He gave a "sheepish" grin after realizing he'd made a mistake."

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

"Sheepish" often implies a milder, more playful embarrassment, while "embarrassed" can suggest a stronger, more uncomfortable feeling. Someone might look "sheepish" after a minor blunder, but feel "embarrassed" by a significant social faux pas.

What can I say instead of "sheepish"?

You can use alternatives like "shamefaced", "bashful", or "self-conscious", depending on the specific context.

Is "sheepish" a formal or informal word?

"Sheepish" is generally considered a neutral word suitable for both informal and semi-formal contexts. However, avoid it in very formal or academic writing where more precise language may be required.