Unabashed Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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unabashed

[ˌʌnəˈbæʃt ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

in social situations

Not embarrassed, disconcerted, or ashamed. Unapologetic and confident in one's actions or statements.

Synonyms

audacious, bold, brazen, shameless, unashamed.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
unabashed	Appropriate when someone is not embarrassed or apologetic about their actions, often used in a positive or neutral sense. She was unabashed in her love for classical music The artist presented his work with unabashed pride
bold	General use for someone who is confident and willing to take risks. Often used positively. He made a bold decision to quit his job and travel the world Her bold sense of style made her stand out in the crowd
shameless	Appropriate when describing someone who has no sense of shame or regret, typically used negatively. She made a shameless attempt to flatter her boss His shameless behavior embarrassed everyone
brazen	When someone behaves in a very obvious way without shame, often with negative connotation. His brazen lies were finally exposed The brazen thief didn't even try to hide his actions
audacious	Used when someone is willing to take surprisingly bold risks, often implying bravery or daring. Can be positive or negative depending on context. Her audacious plan to start her own company paid off The thief's audacious escape stunned everyone
unashamed	Used when someone is openly proud of their actions or beliefs, typically without any sense of shame. Often neutral or positive. He was unashamed of his humble origins They were unashamed in their support for the underdog

Examples of usage

She was unabashed by the attention and continued speaking confidently.
His unabashed honesty sometimes caught people off guard.

^{Context #2 | Adjective}

showing no shame or embarrassment

Not showing any shame or embarrassment; unashamed. Displaying a lack of inhibition or self-consciousness.

Synonyms

audacious, bold, brazen, shameless, unashamed.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
unabashed	When someone shows no embarrassment or shyness in a situation where they might be expected to. It's often used in a positive or neutral sense. She gave an unabashed smile when asked about her success He was unabashed by the criticism and continued his work
unashamed	Similar to 'unabashed', it indicates a lack of embarrassment or remorse, often used in a positive or neutral context. She was unashamed of her humble beginnings He spoke in an unashamed manner about his past mistakes
bold	Describes someone who is confident and willing to take risks. Can be used both in positive and neutral contexts. She made a bold decision to move abroad His bold style of speaking captivated the audience
shameless	Implying a lack of shame, especially in situations where one might be expected to feel shame. Often carries a negative connotation. He made a shameless request for money in front of everyone Her shameless gossiping alienated her from her friends
brazen	Often used to describe actions or behavior that are shamelessly bold, with a negative connotation implying disrespect or impudence. She made a brazen attempt to cheat on the exam His brazen disregard for the rules caused many problems
audacious	Used when describing someone who is daring and willing to take bold risks, often in a way that can be seen as impressively bold or rude. His plan to climb the highest mountain was audacious The audacious move to start a new business in a recession paid off

Examples of usage

She gave an unabashed smile, not caring who was watching.
The artist's unabashed display of emotion in his work was refreshing.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Psychology

Feeling unabashed can boost self-esteem and promote positive social interactions.
People who are unabashed often exhibit higher levels of authenticity, which can lead to meaningful relationships.
Some psychological studies suggest that being unabashed can be linked to greater resilience, as individuals share their truths without fear.

Pop Culture

Several iconic celebrities, such as Lady Gaga and Ellen DeGeneres, are celebrated for their unabashed expressions of personality and style.
Reality TV frequently showcases unabashed behavior, where participants openly display their emotions and opinions.
The phrase 'unabashed confidence' often appears in motivational speeches and personal development books, encouraging people to embrace their true selves.

Literature

In many narratives, characters who are unabashed often challenge societal norms, leading to transformative plots.
Authors like Virginia Woolf and James Baldwin featured unabashed characters who explored identity and self-acceptance in their works.
Poets frequently celebrate unabashed emotions, conveying raw, unfiltered feelings that resonate with readers.

Social Dynamics

Being unabashed can challenge conventional social behaviors, encouraging others to let go of their inhibitions.
In movements like feminism and LGBTQ+ rights, unabashed self-expression has played a critical role in advocating for equality.
Recognizing unabashed behaviors in others can help foster an environment of acceptance and understanding.

Origin of 'unabashed'

Main points about word origin

The word originates from the prefix 'un-' meaning 'not' and 'abash', an old term meaning to embarrass.
First recorded use of the word was in the early 1800s, reflecting a time when self-expression became more valued.
The concept of being unabashed connects to the evolution of social norms around confidence and self-presentation.

The word 'unabashed' originated in the mid-19th century, combining 'un-' (meaning 'not') and 'abashed' (meaning 'embarrassed'). It reflects a sense of confidence and lack of shame in one's actions or statements. Over time, 'unabashed' has come to be associated with boldness and self-assuredness in social interactions.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #26,691, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.

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26688 dimple
26689 constructivism
26690 dumplings
26691 unabashed
26692 unleavened
26693 libertine
26694 deflationary
...