How to Pronounce Shame

To pronounce "shame", say SHAM-e — 2 syllables, IPA /ʃeɪm/. Tap play below to hear it in four English accents, or practice it syllable by syllable.

shame

Tap to hear · American accent

Accent

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Speed

Syllable by syllable — tap each one

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Syllables

Letters

/ʃeɪm/

IPA

💡 Tip for remembering “shame”

"shame" has 2 syllables: sham-e. It rhymes with proclaim and dame, if that helps it stick.

What does shame mean?

noun

Uncomfortable or painful feeling due to recognition or consciousness of one's own impropriety or dishonor or something being exposed that should have been kept private.
“The teenager couldn’t bear the shame of introducing his parents.”
Something to regret.
“It was a shame not to see the show after driving all that way.”

interjection

A cry of admonition for the subject of a speech, either to denounce the speaker or to agree with the speaker's denunciation of some person or matter; often used reduplicated, especially in political debates.
Expressing sympathy.
“Shame, you poor thing, you must be cold!”

Synonyms

dishonor humiliation mortification pity

Antonyms

honor

Words that rhyme with shame

Practicing rhymes trains the same ending sounds.

proclaim dame frame exclaim acclaim aflame flame same name defame game claim

Frequently asked questions

How many syllables are in "shame"?▾

"Shame" has 2 syllables: sham · e.

What is the IPA transcription of "shame"?▾

The IPA transcription of "shame" is /ʃeɪm/.

What does "shame" mean?▾

Shame: Uncomfortable or painful feeling due to recognition or consciousness of one's own impropriety or dishonor or something being exposed that should have been kept private.

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