What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
shameless
Example
He had the shameless audacity to ask for a raise after being late every day. [shameless: adjective]
Example
The politician's shameless lies were exposed by the media. [shameless: adjective]
audacious
Example
The artist's audacious use of color and form challenged traditional art norms. [audacious: adjective]
Example
The team's audacious plan to launch a new product paid off with record sales. [audacious: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Shameless is more commonly used than audacious in everyday language. Shameless is often used to describe negative behavior or character traits, while audacious is more commonly used in positive contexts, such as describing an impressive achievement or a daring plan.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between shameless and audacious?
Both shameless and audacious can be used in formal and informal contexts, but audacious may be more appropriate in formal writing or speech, where a positive tone is desired.