ashamed

Ashamed is an adjective describing a feeling of shame, distress, or guilt that follows awareness of having violated moral or social norms or failed to meet personal standards. It is a self-conscious emotion that involves evaluation of the self, not only the specific action. People may be ashamed of their behavior, of a trait, or of circumstances beyond their control. The phrase "ashamed of" is common, as in "ashamed of my actions," and "ashamed to admit" is also used, often with a sense of reluctance to reveal something.

Etymology: the term derives from the Old English prefix a- attached to shame, forming an adjective describing a state of being affected by shame. It has been part of standard English since the Middle Ages.

Psychological and social aspects: shame can motivate social conformity or reparative action—apologizing, making amends, or changing behavior. However, excessive or chronic shame can be associated with mental health difficulties, reduced self-esteem, or social withdrawal. Shame differs from guilt in that guilt typically centers on a specific action, while shame centers on the self as a whole.

Cultural and linguistic notes: expressions and thresholds for shame vary across cultures and contexts, with some emphasizing communal honor and face-saving more than individual guilt.

Related concepts include guilt, embarrassment, self-conscious emotions, and shaming practices; cultural studies distinguish "shame culture" from "guilt culture" in explaining social behavior.