noun / interjection
shame
Something unfortunate that causes regret or pity.
It is a shame that the concert ends so early.
Etymology
Shame names a painful negative feeling. The regrettable-event sense shifts from personal disgrace to an unfortunate thing that causes sorrow or pity.
More examples
- What a shame you cannot join us.
- The wasted food was a real shame.
- She thought it a shame to cut down the old tree.
Forms
shame · shames
Similar words
- pity
- Regret for an unfortunate situation rather than moral shame.
- misfortune
- The unfortunate event itself rather than the reaction to it.