a big disgrace

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a big disgrace" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation, action, or behavior that is considered shameful or unacceptable. Example: "The way the company handled the layoffs was a big disgrace to its employees and the community."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

"It's a big disgrace because this is a place of peace," said one witness, Paul Singh, 16, who prays at the center, in the Richmond Hill neighborhood.

The New York Times

He called it "a big disgrace" that the army could not secure the 14 local government districts lost to Boko Haram.

The Guardian

In response, Buhari has called the current Nigerian government's reliance on assistance from a much poorer country like Chad a "big disgrace".

The Guardian

"She's defamed the Olympics, and it's a big disgrace, and maybe it's not her fault or responsibility, but unfortunately this is the result," said Larry Lew, a sportswriter for Sina.com.

The New York Times - Sports

"It's really a disgrace, a big disgrace".

Huffington Post

Why, the very idea is a big disgrace.

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

The happy spin baseball put on its first round of testing was a bigger disgrace than anything out of Pete Rose's mouth.

The New York Times - Sports

The now public inner workings of Madison Square Garden and its dysfunctional basketball subsidiary — big disgrace, according a note sent from the jury to the judge yesterday in the Anucha Browne Sanders sexual harassment civil suit, foretelling a resounding triumph for the plaintiff.

The New York Times

After claiming Jay-Z was to drop out, an event still yet to happen, he offered a critique of the lineup yesterday, suggesting that the appearance of James Blunt (a guy Smart can't make up his mind whether he likes or hates) and Gilbert O'Sullivan, has turned 30 years of festival tradition into one big disgrace.

The Guardian - Music

Buddy you're a young man hard man Shoutin' in the street Gonna take on the world some day You got blood on yo' face You big disgrace Wavin' your banner all over the place.

Huffington Post

At a Momentum event discussing the menace of media bias, there were loud cheers and applause for the notion that "the BBC's treatment of Jeremy Corbyn has been a much bigger disgrace than the Daily Mail's".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a big disgrace", consider the context and audience to ensure the severity of the phrase matches the situation. It is best suited for situations that genuinely warrant strong disapproval.

Common error

Avoid using "a big disgrace" for minor inconveniences or disagreements. Overusing strong language can dilute its impact and make your writing seem hyperbolic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a big disgrace" primarily functions as a noun phrase that acts as a subject complement or object complement. It attributes a strong negative quality to something, indicating it is profoundly shameful or unacceptable. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a big disgrace" is a noun phrase used to express strong disapproval or condemnation of something deemed deeply shameful or unacceptable. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. While primarily found in news and media contexts, it carries a neutral to informal register. For formal settings, consider milder alternatives such as "a significant embarrassment" or characterizing the situation as "unacceptable". Be mindful of overusing the phrase in minor situations to maintain its impact. Top sources using the phrase include The New York Times and The Guardian. Consider the severity of the situation before using "a big disgrace".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a significant embarrassment

Replaces "disgrace" with "embarrassment", indicating a less severe form of shame or humiliation.

a major source of shame

Focuses on the feeling of shame associated with something, rather than the thing itself being disgraceful.

utterly shameful

Emphasizes the intensity of the shamefulness, using "utterly" for added emphasis.

a complete letdown

Shifts the focus to disappointment and failure to meet expectations, rather than outright disgrace.

a stain on one's reputation

Highlights the damaging effect on someone's or something's reputation.

a black mark

Uses a metaphor to indicate a negative record or aspect.

a matter of deep regret

Indicates sorrow and remorse, focusing on the feeling of regret.

an unacceptable situation

Focuses on the unacceptability of the situation without necessarily implying shame.

a national travesty

Applies to situations of injustice or mockery on a national scale.

a crying shame

Uses a more informal idiom to express strong disapproval and regret.

FAQs

How can I use "a big disgrace" in a sentence?

Use "a big disgrace" to describe a situation, action, or event that is profoundly shameful or unacceptable. For example: "The company's handling of the scandal was "a big disgrace" to its reputation."

What are some alternatives to "a big disgrace"?

Alternatives include phrases like "a significant embarrassment", "a major source of shame", or "utterly shameful" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is "a big disgrace" too strong of a phrase to use in formal writing?

While "a big disgrace" is acceptable, it can be perceived as somewhat informal. In formal writing, consider using alternatives like "a significant embarrassment" or stating that the situation is "unacceptable" to maintain a more professional tone.

What's the difference between "a big disgrace" and "a minor setback"?

"A big disgrace" implies a significant moral failing or scandal, causing shame and damage. In contrast, "a minor setback" refers to a small, temporary obstacle or delay that does not carry the same weight of shame or wrongdoing.