Blameworthy Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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blameworthy

[ˈbleɪmˌwɜrði ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

feeling guilty

Deserving blame; culpable.

Synonyms

culpable, guilty, responsible.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
blameworthy	Use 'blameworthy' to describe someone or something deserving of blame because they did something wrong or inappropriate. It is a formal term often employed in serious contexts. The committee found the company's actions to be blameworthy in the scandal. Her neglect of duty was considered blameworthy by her supervisors.
culpable	Use 'culpable' to describe someone or something that is responsible for a fault or wrong. It tends to be used in legal or formal contexts when determining responsibility. The driver was found culpable for the accident due to negligence. The company's disregard for safety regulations made them culpable in the eyes of the law.
guilty	Use 'guilty' to describe someone who has committed a crime or wrongdoing, often after a legal decision. It can also be used more informally to describe feelings of having done something wrong. He was found guilty of theft and sentenced to five years in prison. She felt guilty about lying to her friend.
responsible	Use 'responsible' when talking about someone who has a duty to take care of something or whose actions caused something to happen. It can refer to both positive and negative contexts but is generally neutral. She is responsible for managing the entire project. The manager is responsible for the team's poor performance.

Examples of usage

He felt blameworthy for the mistake.
She was blameworthy for the accident.

^{Context #2 | Adjective}

deserving condemnation

Deserving censure or disapproval; reprehensible.

Synonyms

condemnable, objectionable, reprehensible.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
blameworthy	This word is appropriate when describing actions or behavior that deserve fault or responsibility for something wrong, without too harsh a judgment. His actions were blamed for the failure of the project. Leaving the door unlocked was blameworthy, given the recent break-ins.
reprehensible	This word is best used for actions that are very bad or morally unacceptable. It carries a heavier negative connotation. The company's treatment of its employees was reprehensible. Leaving a dog in a hot car is a reprehensible act.
condemnable	This word is suitable for actions that deserve strong disapproval or criticism. It often implies a moral or ethical judgment. Animal cruelty is a condemnable act. The politician's corrupt practices are utterly condemnable.
objectionable	Use this word to describe something unpleasant and offensive that causes strong opposition or disapproval, without necessarily implying moral blame. His conduct during the meeting was highly objectionable. The language used in the advertisement was objectionable to many viewers.

Examples of usage

His blameworthy behavior led to serious consequences.
The blameworthy actions of the politician were widely criticized.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Cultural Perspectives

In many cultures, the concept of accountability is central, where society expects individuals to take responsibility for their actions.
Various religious texts discuss the idea of blameworthiness, particularly in terms of moral and ethical conduct.
In modern workplaces, being blameworthy can affect team dynamics and is often addressed in leadership training.

Psychology

Studies in social psychology examine how individuals attribute blame to others, often highlighting biases in perception.
Research shows that people are more likely to consider someone blameworthy if they believe the act was intentional.
Understanding blameworthiness can be important in conflict resolution, as it shapes how we address grievances.

Legal Implications

In law, the concept of blameworthiness helps determine culpability and the severity of punishments in criminal cases.
Negligence is often a key factor in assessing whether an individual is blameworthy in personal injury lawsuits.
The principle of 'mens rea', or guilty mind, is crucial in establishing blameworthiness in criminal law.

Literature

Many classic novels explore themes of blame and guilt, questioning what makes a character blameworthy.
Shakespeare’s plays often delve into the moral complexities of blame, showcasing the consequences of character flaws.
Contemporary literature frequently addresses blameworthiness in the context of social justice and personal responsibility.

Origin of 'blameworthy'

Main points about word origin

'Blame' comes from the Old French word 'blamer', which traces back to the Latin 'blasphemare', meaning to speak ill of.
'Worthy' originates from Old English 'weorðe', meaning having worth or value, which gives a sense of merit to actions.
Blameworthy is a compound of two terms that together create a moral judgment about one's actions.

The word 'blameworthy' originated from the combination of 'blame' and 'worthy'. It first appeared in the late 16th century. The concept of assigning blame or responsibility has been present in human societies throughout history, with various cultures developing different approaches to defining blameworthy actions.