shame (noun) — Uncomfortable or painful feeling due to recognition or consciousness of one's own impropriety or dishonor or something being exposed that should have been kept private.
“The teenager couldn’t bear the shame of introducing his parents.”
Below are 76 adjectives commonly used to describe shame, ranked by how frequently they appear together in written English. The most popular include great, such, more.
Ranked by frequency in written English
How to Use These Adjectives
- → Top adjectives (darker pills) appear most frequently with “shame” in published writing.
- → Combine two adjectives for vivid description: e.g. “great, such shame”.
- → Click any adjective to find its synonyms and expand your vocabulary further.
- → Match the tone — choose formal adjectives for essays, sensory ones for creative writing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some adjectives to describe shame?
Common adjectives used to describe shame include great, such, more, own, false. These are ranked by how frequently they appear alongside "shame" in written English.
How do you describe shame in writing?
To vividly describe shame in your writing, choose adjectives that appeal to the senses — sight, sound, touch, smell, and emotion. For shame, strong options include great, such, more. Pair them with specific details to make your description more immersive.
What is the best adjective for shame?
"great" is one of the most commonly used adjectives with "shame" in English. Other top choices are such, more, own. The best adjective depends on the tone and context of your writing.
Can I use these adjectives in a poem or story?
Yes — all adjectives listed here are drawn from real English usage. They work well in creative writing, poetry, essays, and descriptive paragraphs. Try combining two adjectives for more impact, e.g. "great, such shame".