► guiltyashamed and sad because you know or believe you have done something wrong: I feel guilty about not inviting her. His guilty conscience kept him awake at night.
► guilt-ridden feeling very guilty, often for a long time: He was so guilt-ridden, that three weeks after the murder, he went to the police and admitted his crime.
► ashamed very unhappy and disappointed with yourself and embarrassed because you have done something wrong or unpleasant: You should be ashamed of yourself for lying to your mother.
► remorseful/contrite feeling guilty and sorry for something bad that you have done. Remorseful sounds slightly stronger than contrite: She felt suddenly contrite, and apologized.