What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
disgrace
Example
The politician's scandalous behavior brought disgrace to his name. [disgrace: noun]
Example
She felt disgraced by her actions and apologized for her behavior. [disgraced: adjective]
shame
Example
He felt a deep sense of shame for lying to his friends. [shame: noun]
Example
She was ashamed of her behavior at the party and apologized the next day. [ashamed: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Shame is more commonly used than disgrace in everyday language. Shame is a versatile word that can be used in various contexts, while disgrace is less common and is typically used in more formal or serious situations.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between disgrace and shame?
While disgrace is often associated with a more formal or serious tone, shame can be used in both formal and informal contexts, making it a more versatile word overall.
