bad conscience

NOUN

shame

Synonyms

STRONGEST

confusion contempt guilt humiliation irritation remorse scandal stigma

STRONG

abashment blot chagrin compunction contrition degradation derision discomposure discredit disesteem dishonor disrepute ignominy infamy mortification obloquy odium opprobrium pang reproach self-disgust self-reproach self-reproof shamefacedness smear stupefaction treachery

WEAK

ill repute loss of face pudency skeleton in the cupboard

Antonyms

STRONG

approval esteem honor meanness praise respect

WEAK

pride

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

We could call that bad conscience, but why be judgmental?

From Salon • Aug. 31, 2025

Richard Nixon, a genuinely Shakespearean villain, had full knowledge of his wrongdoing and a bad conscience about it, if not enough of one.

From The New Yorker • Aug. 26, 2019

Mr. Ackermann says he does not have a bad conscience.

From New York Times • Oct. 26, 2015

But allowing oneself to spread out on a hammock and entirely forget about work, without feelings of self-contempt and a bad conscience, may go some way to saving the holiday.

From The Guardian • Aug. 3, 2015

She always had a bad conscience afterwards, but she couldn't help herself.

From "How the García Girls Lost Their Accents" by Julia Alvarez

bad conscience

Example Sentences

Related Words