shamefaced

[ sheym-feyst ]

adjective

1. modest or bashful.
2. showing shame:

   shamefaced apologies.

shamefaced

/ ˈʃeɪmˌfeɪst; ʃeɪmˈfeɪsɪdlɪ; ˈʃeɪmˌfeɪstlɪ /

adjective

1. bashful or modest
2. showing a sense of shame

Derived Forms

• shamefacedly, adverb
• shameˈfacedness, noun

Other Words From

• shame·fac·ed·ly [sheym-, fey, -sid-lee, sheym, -feyst-lee], adverb
• shamefaced·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of shamefaced¹

1545–55; alteration of shamefast by folk etymology; shame, faced

Word History and Origins

Origin of shamefaced¹

C16: alteration of earlier shamefast, from Old English sceamfaest; see shame , fast ¹

Example Sentences

When, inevitably, Hatchet escapes and begins offing his captors, the movie briefly jolts with shamefaced energy before settling into a tedious chase through a warren of gray concrete.

From New York Times

The fallout, so far, has included shamefaced admissions and apologies from judges; a promise of improvement from the Administrative Office of the U.S.

From Washington Post

Around the world, eugenic programs came to a shamefaced halt.

From Literature

To his credit, Wolff is astute and a little shamefaced when analysing the complicity between Trump and the journalists whom he officially reviles.

From The Guardian

For the first time, even after admitting her role in today’s mess, Witching Hour seemed shamefaced.

From Literature