shameful

shameful — adjective

1. Something shameful makes you feel ashamed or is something you should be blamed f

1.形容詞B2
釋義

Something shameful makes you feel ashamed or is something you should be blamed for, because it goes against what is morally right.

例句

It was shameful that the restaurant threw away so much food every night.

that-clause pattern: it + be + shameful + that…

It is shameful to treat your colleagues with such disrespect.

to-infinitive pattern: it + be + shameful + to…

同義詞
  • disgraceful

    Stronger than 'shameful'; implies a loss of respect or reputation in the eyes of others.

  • dishonourable

    Focuses on a violation of honour, integrity, or moral principles; more formal.

  • outrageous

    Emphasises shock or offence caused by the action; less specific to moral shame.

反義詞
  • honourable

    Describes actions that deserve respect and admiration.

  • praiseworthy

    Focuses on actions that earn approval, the opposite of being blamed.

文法句型

it + be + shameful + that-clause

it + be + shameful + to-infinitive

noun + be + shameful

用法筆記

Describes actions, situations, or conditions — not a person's internal feeling. For the personal emotion, use 'ashamed' (e.g., 'I felt ashamed', not 'I felt shameful').

常見錯誤

❌I felt shameful about lying to my parents.
✅I felt ashamed about lying to my parents.
💡'shameful' describes the action (lying), not how the person feels.
❌He was shameful of his past mistakes.
✅He was ashamed of his past mistakes.
💡'ashamed of' is the correct pattern for personal regret or embarrassment.