What does shame mean?
Shame names both a powerful feeling and the social judgment that can accompany it. As a noun, it can refer to personal embarrassment, a moral sense of wrongdoing, or the disgrace attached to a person or action. As a verb, it describes making someone feel ashamed or publicly condemning conduct regarded as disgraceful. The word is usually more emotionally intense than embarrassment: shame suggests a serious injury to self-respect or reputation, often linked to wrongdoing, failure, or exposure. In modern usage, it also appears in discussions of accountability, where acknowledging shame can accompany confession, apology, or repair. The related forms ashamed and shameful are common: the former describes a person's emotional state, while the latter characterizes an action, event, or situation as disgraceful.
A feeling of deep embarrassment, humiliation, or self-disapproval, especially caused by wrongdoing or a perceived failure.
"The error filled him with shame."
Often stronger and more serious than embarrassment; commonly associated with moral fault, exposure, or loss of honor.
Disgrace or discredit affecting a person, family, group, or action.
"The university's reputation was overshadowed by shame."
This sense is more public and reputational than the personal feeling described above.
To make someone feel ashamed or to cause someone to lose self-respect.
"He was shamed by his own failure."
Often describes the emotional effect of humiliation or exposure.
To condemn or express contempt for someone or something regarded as disgraceful.
"The newspaper shamed the company for its treatment of workers."
This use is often public and strongly disapproving.
Usually used when referring to separate acts or instances of disgrace or humiliation.
"The account of the regime's shames was broadcast around the world."
Shame can make a person hide, but it can also compel them to acknowledge harm and repair what went wrong.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does shame come from?
Shame comes from Old English shame, meaning disgrace or loss of honor, and is related to Old English scamoru, “to shame.” Its Germanic relatives include cognates such as German Schande and Dutch schande, all referring to disgrace or infamy. In modern English, the word developed alongside the adjective ashamed, which preserves the older sense of feeling shame.
Related word forms
How shame is actually used
The noun is strongly associated with personal embarrassment, moral disapproval, and social judgment. In some contexts, especially religious or moral discussion, it can also mean deep awareness of sin. The verb can be forceful and public, and often implies that the subject is considered disgraceful.
Easily confused with shame
Shame focuses on a person's sense of embarrassment or self-disapproval, whereas guilt focuses on awareness or responsibility for wrongdoing.
Shame is the feeling itself or the act of causing disgrace, while ashamed is normally the adjective describing someone who experiences that feeling.