guilty

Universal Words adjective (guiltier, guiltiest) HELPNOTE more guilty and most guilty are more common 1 ~ (about sth) feeling ashamed because you have done sth that you know is wrong or have not done sth that you should have done: I felt guilty about not visiting my parents more often. * John had a guilty look on his face. * I had a guilty conscience and could not sleep. 2 ~ (of sth) having done sth illegal; being responsible for sth bad that has happened: The jury found the defendant not guilty of the offence. * He pleaded guilty to murder. * the guilty party (= the person responsible for sth bad happening) * We've all been guilty of selfishness at some time in our lives. OPPINNOCENT guiltily adverb