Shameless Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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shameless

[หˆสƒeษชmlษ™s ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

behavior

Lacking a sense of shame; bold and unapologetic.

Synonyms

audacious, brazen, impudent.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
shameless

Used to describe someone who behaves without any sense of shame or embarrassment, often ignoring social norms or expectations.

  • He was shameless in his attempts to get a promotion, constantly praising himself in front of the boss
brazen

Typically describes someone who is very bold and unashamed about their behavior or actions, often in a way that disregards acceptable standards. It often carries a negative connotation.

  • His brazen lie about his qualifications was quickly discovered during the interview
audacious

Describes someone who is bold and willing to take risks, often in a daring or rebellious way. It can be used both positively and negatively depending on the context.

  • Her audacious plan to revamp the company's marketing strategy paid off brilliantly
impudent

Refers to someone who is bold in a rude or disrespectful manner, especially towards authority figures.

  • The student's impudent comment to the teacher resulted in a trip to the principal's office

Examples of usage

  • She was shameless in her pursuit of wealth.
  • He made a shameless attempt to win her over.
Context #2 | Adjective

behavior

Showing no shame or embarrassment; unashamed.

Synonyms

bold, cheeky, unabashed.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
shameless

Use when describing someone who behaves without any sense of shame or decency, often disregarding social norms. This word has a negative connotation.

  • His shameless behavior at the party upset many guests.
  • She told a shameless lie to get what she wanted.
unabashed

Ideal for situations where someone is not embarrassed or ashamed, especially in contexts that would normally cause embarrassment. This word has a neutral to slightly positive connotation.

  • He was unabashed about his love for reality TV.
  • She stood unabashed despite the criticism she received.
bold

A good choice when referring to someone who is confident, courageous, and willing to take risks. This word has a mostly positive connotation.

  • She made a bold decision to start her own business.
  • His bold speech inspired the entire audience.
cheeky

Used to describe someone who is a bit rude or disrespectful in a playful or amusing way. This word is often used humorously and can have both positive and negative connotations depending on the situation.

  • The boy gave a cheeky smile after teasing his sister.
  • She has a cheeky sense of humor that always makes people laugh.

Examples of usage

  • He gave a shameless speech at the event.
  • The politician's shameless behavior shocked many.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Shamelessness can be linked to a lack of social awareness, making it easier for some individuals to act without concern for social norms.
  • In psychological contexts, a shameless attitude might reflect high self-esteem, where an individual does not internalize societal judgments.
  • Studies suggest that individuals labeled 'shameless' may engage in risk-taking behavior, often encountering both backlash and admiration.

Pop Culture

  • The hit TV show 'Shameless' explores themes of dysfunctional family life, highlighting characters who often display shameless behavior to survive.
  • Musicians and artists sometimes embrace a shameless identity, using it as a way to provoke thought or challenge societal norms.
  • Social media influencers may brandish a shameless approach to gain followers, showcasing bold choices that attract attention.

Literature

  • Classic literature often features shameless characters, representing rebellion against societal constraints, like Hester Prynne in 'The Scarlet Letter'.
  • In Shakespeareโ€™s works, characters like Falstaff embody shamelessness, often using humor to critique societal values.
  • Modern novels frequently present protagonists who embrace their flaws, celebrating shamelessness as a form of authenticity.

Societal Impact

  • In contemporary discussions, shamelessness can be viewed both positively and negatively, advocating for authenticity versus highlighting irresponsibility.
  • Movements advocating body positivity often celebrate shamelessness in relation to oneโ€™s body image, promoting self-acceptance.
  • Political and social movements may utilize shameless tactics, pushing boundaries to draw attention to their cause.

Origin of 'shameless'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'shameless' combines 'shame' with the suffix '-less', meaning without shame.
  • Its use can be traced back to Middle English, reflecting changes in societal attitudes toward behavior.
  • The opposite of 'shameless' is 'ashamed', showing the emotional contrast between feeling guilty and feeling free of guilt.

The word 'shameless' dates back to the 14th century and originated from the Middle English 'shameles.' It combines 'shame' and the suffix '-less,' denoting a lack of shame. Over the centuries, 'shameless' has evolved to describe someone who is bold, audacious, or unapologetic in their actions, regardless of societal norms or expectations.


See also: ashamed, shame, shamed, shamefacedly, shameful, shamefully, shamelessly, shamelessness, shaming, unashamed.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #19,491, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.