Shamelessness Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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shamelessness

[ˈʃeɪmləsnəs ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

lack of embarrassment

Shamelessness refers to the quality of being impervious to feelings of embarrassment or guilt. It is the state of being audaciously bold without any sense of shame or remorse.

Synonyms

audacity, brazenness, impudence.

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Word Description / Examples
shamelessness

Used when referring to behavior that shows a lack of embarrassment or guilt about doing something considered wrong or inappropriate.

  • His shamelessness in lying to his friends was shocking.
  • The shamelessness of their cheating scandal was appalling.
audacity

Refers to boldness or daring, often in a way that shows disrespect or disregard for normal constraints.

  • She had the audacity to ask her boss for a raise after arriving late every day.
  • The audacity of his claim left everyone speechless.
impudence

Conveys rudeness or lack of respect, often in a way that shows disregard for others.

  • His impudence towards the teacher got him in trouble.
  • The customer's impudence was unbearable.
brazenness

Describes a very bold or open behavior that is done without shame, often disrespectfully.

  • The brazenness of their actions in public was unsettling.
  • Her brazenness in making false accusations was disturbing.

Examples of usage

  • He displayed shamelessness by lying about his involvement in the scam.
  • Her shamelessness knew no bounds as she shamelessly flirted with her friend's partner.

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, where individuals do not register the emotional responses of others.
  • Certain personality traits, such as narcissism, can contribute to a person's shamelessness, as they may not empathize with others.
  • In psychological studies, individuals displaying shamelessness can sometimes exhibit higher levels of confidence, affecting their social interactions.

Pop Culture

  • Many television shows feature characters who embody shamelessness, often for comedic effect, making them memorable and relatable.
  • The concept of shamelessness is sometimes celebrated in social media trends, where individuals share bold and unconventional behaviors.
  • In the music industry, several artists promote shamelessness as a form of self-expression, encouraging fans to embrace their individuality.

Literature

  • Classic literature often explores themes of shamelessness and morality, depicting characters who disregard societal norms.
  • Modern novels may feature 'shameless' protagonists who challenge traditional values, pushing readers to question moral boundaries.
  • Famous authors have used characters displaying shamelessness to critique societal hypocrisy and the nature of self-acceptance.

History

  • Throughout history, many revolutionaries have demonstrated shamelessness in challenging oppressive governments, often inspiring change.
  • In some cultural contexts, historical figures were celebrated for their shamelessness in pursuit of greater freedoms or rights.
  • Periods of social change frequently saw movements where individuals proudly displayed shamelessness as a form of rebellion against societal norms.

Origin of 'shamelessness'

Main points about word origin

  • The word combines 'shame' with the suffix '-less', meaning to be without shame.
  • It traces back to the Old English word 'scamu', meaning 'shame', which has evolved over centuries.
  • The use of 'shameless' dates back to the 14th century, often in the context of moral judgment.

The word 'shamelessness' originated from the combination of 'shame' and the suffix '-less', indicating the absence of shame. It has been used in English language to describe the lack of embarrassment or guilt since the 16th century. The concept of shamelessness has been explored in various works of literature and psychology, highlighting the complex nature of human behavior and morality.


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