(あさ)ましい

あさましい
adjective (i)
shameful
1. shameful
despicable; shameful; miserable; pathetically degraded
(あさ)ましい行為(こうい)だ。
That's a shameful act.
(かね)()がくらむとは(あさ)ましい。
It's despicable to be blinded by money.
自分(じぶん)利益(りえき)のために(ひと)(だま)すとは(あさ)ましい(かぎ)りだ。
It's utterly despicable to deceive people for one's own gain.

(あさ)ましい is an i-adjective expressing strong moral disapproval or contempt.

USAGE:

  • Describes actions, behavior, or people that are morally degraded
  • Strong word - implies that something has fallen far below acceptable standards
  • Often used in criticism or self-reflection

COMMON PATTERNS:

  • (あさ)ましい(かぎ)り (utterly despicable)
  • (あさ)ましい姿(すがた) (shameful appearance/state)
  • (あさ)ましい行為(こうい) (despicable act)

NUANCE:

  • Stronger than ()ずかしい (embarrassing)
  • Implies moral failing rather than just embarrassment
  • Can be used about oneself with self-deprecating nuance

SIMILAR WORDS:

  • (いや)しい: Base, lowly, vulgar
  • (みじ)め: Miserable, pitiful
  • (あさ)ましい: Emphasizes moral degradation and contempt

REGISTER: Neutral to slightly literary. Strong word used for serious criticism.