SHAMEFACED

Pronunciation (US):

(GB):

 Dictionary entry overview: What does shamefaced mean? 

• SHAMEFACED (adjective)
  The adjective SHAMEFACED has 3 senses:

1. extremely modest or shy

2. showing a sense of shame

3. showing a sense of guilt

  Familiarity information: SHAMEFACED used as an adjective is uncommon.

 Dictionary entry details 

• SHAMEFACED (adjective)

Sense 1

Meaning:

Extremely modest or shy

Context example:

cheerfully bearing reproaches but shamefaced at praise

Similar:

modest (not offensive to sexual mores in conduct or appearance)

Derivation:

shamefacedness (feeling embarrassed about yourself)

Sense 2

Meaning:

Showing a sense of shame

Synonyms:

shamefaced; sheepish

Similar:

ashamed (feeling shame or guilt or embarrassment or remorse)

Derivation:

shamefacedness (feeling embarrassed about yourself)

Sense 3

Meaning:

Showing a sense of guilt

Synonyms:

guilty; hangdog; shamed; shamefaced

Context example:

the hangdog and shamefaced air of the retreating enemy

Similar:

ashamed (feeling shame or guilt or embarrassment or remorse)

Derivation:

shamefacedness (feeling embarrassed about yourself)

 Context examples 

Our visitor gave a rather shamefaced laugh.

(The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)

"Hans!" she would cry, "wake up!" and he would come to a recollection of himself, startled and shamefaced and unrepentant.

(Love of Life and Other Stories, by Jack London)

Phoo! Phoo! Do not be so shamefaced.

(Mansfield Park, by Jane Austen)

Finally, with a shamefaced apology for his weakness, he rose once more.

(The Memoirs of Sherlock Holmes, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)