- Guilt
Guilt is a close synonym to ashamedness. While ashamedness often focuses on a feeling of personal disgrace or embarrassment due to one's own actions or characteristics, guilt emphasizes a sense of responsibility for a wrong - doing. For example, "He was filled with guilt after lying to his parents." Guilt implies a moral self - condemnation, and it can be related to violating a personal or social code. In contrast to ashamedness, which might be more about a feeling of being seen in a negative light, guilt is more about the knowledge that one has done something wrong.
- Humiliation
Humiliation is a stronger and more public - oriented emotion than ashamedness. It involves a sense of being degraded or made to feel inferior in the eyes of others. For example, "She experienced great humiliation when she was criticized in front of the whole class." When compared to ashamedness, humiliation often comes from an external source that actively shames a person, such as public ridicule or scorn. Ashamedness can be a more internal feeling that may or may not be related to external judgment.
- Embarrassment
Embarrassment is a milder form of ashamedness. It usually occurs in situations where there is a social blunder or a momentary lapse that causes discomfort. For example, "He felt embarrassment when he realized he had his shirt on inside - out." Embarrassment is often short - lived and related to a specific incident, whereas ashamedness can be a more profound and long - lasting feeling associated with one's values or self - image.
- Chagrin
Chagrin is a French - derived word that means a feeling of vexation or distress caused by humiliation or disappointment. For example, "To his chagrin, he found out that he had been left out of the important meeting." It implies a sense of annoyance and self - consciousness due to an unexpected or unwanted situation. In the context of synonyms for ashamedness, chagrin emphasizes the negative emotional impact of a situation that might lead to a feeling of self - reproach.
- Mortification
Mortification is a very strong synonym for ashamedness. It means a sense of extreme humiliation and self - abasement. For example, "Her mortification was complete when her secret was revealed to the whole community." Mortification implies a deep - seated and often very painful feeling of shame, which can have a significant impact on a person's self - esteem and well - being. It is more intense than embarrassment and is often related to a more serious or personal matter.