Slightly embarrassing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Slightly embarrassing" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation or feeling that causes a small amount of embarrassment. Example: "I found it slightly embarrassing to trip in front of my colleagues during the meeting."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

'It's slightly embarrassing.

The Guardian - Books

If you know anything about rap, it's slightly embarrassing.

The New Yorker

"It was slightly embarrassing for me," he said.

The New York Times - Sports

Now much of it looks small and slightly embarrassing.

The New York Times - Arts

For Sale: One Previously Owned Cultural Moment/Now Slightly Embarrassing.

The New York Times - Magazine

The Maudes use "sappy," too, but drop the third iteration, as if it were slightly embarrassing.

The New Yorker

It's unfortunate timing – and slightly embarrassing for us, bearing in mind our connections with Preston.

Independent

Davies is now Smith's carer, but says he finds the term slightly embarrassing.

The Guardian

When I was a teenager, the whole Swan Boat operation seemed dorky and slightly embarrassing.

The New York Times

I think it's slightly embarrassing to act full out at 890 Broadway with people looking at you from folding chairs".

The New York Times

Women, on the other hand, ate about one-third less with spectators than without them and described the experience as slightly embarrassing.

Cornell University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "slightly embarrassing" to describe situations where the embarrassment is mild and doesn't cause significant distress. For instance, "It was slightly embarrassing to realize I had spinach in my teeth."

Common error

Avoid using "slightly embarrassing" too frequently in your writing. Vary your language by using synonyms like "somewhat awkward" or "a bit humiliating" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "slightly embarrassing" functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun or pronoun. It describes the degree of embarrassment associated with a particular situation or feeling. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Formal & Business

15%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Science

3%

Wiki

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "slightly embarrassing" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe situations that cause a mild sense of discomfort or awkwardness. As Ludwig AI shows, it's used across various contexts, particularly in News & Media. When writing, consider varying your language by using synonyms like "a bit awkward" or "somewhat humiliating" to avoid repetition. Remember that "slightly embarrassing" indicates a less intense feeling compared to "very embarrassing". By understanding its nuances, you can effectively use "slightly embarrassing" to convey the appropriate level of discomfort in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Slightly humiliating

Synonym that emphasizes the lowering of pride.

A tad embarrassing

Replaces "slightly" with "a tad" to convey a similar level of intensity.

Kind of awkward

Uses a more casual tone to describe the feeling.

A bit awkward

Replaces "slightly embarrassing" with a more general term for discomfort.

Somewhat humiliating

Uses a stronger word than "embarrassing" to emphasize the feeling.

Mildly mortifying

Employs a more formal and intense term for embarrassment.

Somewhat discomfiting

A more formal way to say something is unsettling or awkward.

A little shameful

Suggests a minor sense of guilt or regret alongside embarrassment.

Rather cringeworthy

Conveys a sense of vicarious embarrassment or discomfort.

Not entirely comfortable

Expresses unease without explicitly mentioning embarrassment.

FAQs

How can I use "slightly embarrassing" in a sentence?

You can use "slightly embarrassing" to describe situations that cause mild discomfort or awkwardness. For example, "I found it "slightly embarrassing" to trip in front of my colleagues during the meeting."

What are some alternatives to saying "slightly embarrassing"?

You can use alternatives like "a bit awkward", "somewhat humiliating", or "mildly mortifying" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "slightly embarrassing" or "a little embarrassing"?

Both "slightly embarrassing" and "a little embarrassing" are correct and convey a similar meaning. The choice depends on personal preference and the desired tone. "Slightly embarrassing" might sound a bit more formal.

What's the difference between "slightly embarrassing" and "very embarrassing"?

"Slightly embarrassing" describes a mild feeling of embarrassment, while "very embarrassing" indicates a much stronger and more intense feeling. Use "slightly" for minor incidents and "very" for situations that cause significant discomfort or shame.