Definition:
"Shameful" is an adjective used to describe actions, behaviors, or situations that are considered wrong, disgraceful, or morally offensive. When something is shameful, it often makes people feel embarrassed or regretful, and it can harm a person's reputation.
In more formal or literary contexts, "shameful" can describe significant moral failings or societal issues. For example:
- "The documentary shed light on the shameful history of discrimination in the country."
While "shameful" generally refers to negative behavior, it can also describe something that deserves pity or sympathy. For example, "It is shameful that many people live in poverty."
There are no commonly used phrasal verbs that directly incorporate "shameful," but you might consider phrases that convey similar meanings: - "Live down": To try to stop people from remembering something embarrassing you did. - Example: "He is trying to live down his shameful past."
"Shameful" is a powerful word that highlights behavior or actions that are morally wrong and can lead to a loss of respect.