adjective

mortified

/ˈmɔːtɪfaɪd/ · say it: MOR·tuh·fyd

extremely embarrassed

In Emotions & Moods

In more detail

1. (adjective) extremely embarrassed or ashamed

2. (adjective) annoyed or displeased

Examples

1. She felt mortified when she tripped and fell in front of the entire class.
2. He was mortified that his flight was delayed for the third time.

How to use mortified

Mortified expresses acute embarrassment or shame, often in response to something unexpected or unflattering that occurs publicly or privately. The second sense (annoyed) is much less common in modern English and is largely dated. It conveys stronger emotion than mere embarrassment, suggesting deep discomfort with how one appears to others.

Common phrases

mortified by
mortified at
mortified expression
look mortified
feel mortified

Synonyms

embarrassed · ashamed · humiliated · chagrined · abashed

Opposites

proud · pleased

Word family

mortify · mortification · mortifying

A common mistake

Learners sometimes use mortified to mean merely annoyed or slightly displeased, when it actually describes much more intense embarrassment or shame.

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