a complete disgrace

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a complete disgrace" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express strong disapproval or condemnation of a situation, action, or behavior. Example: "The way the company handled the layoffs was a complete disgrace, showing a lack of respect for its employees."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

23 human-written examples

Claims that were backed up by several commenters on the article, who claimed that Lisa was a "complete disgrace" and had "completely ruined the first half of the show".

Vice

That was a complete disgrace, but what was equally disgraceful was that none of the Republicans on the stage offered the slightest word of support for the soldier, or thanked him for his brave service to his country.

Huffington Post

On stop and search, after saying that police anti-terror powers had been "completely abused" and "had been a complete disgrace in this country", he got his first widescale applause.

The Guardian - Opinion

It is a complete disgrace.

The Guardian

In many ways, of course, The L Word is a complete disgrace.

The Guardian

"The appointment of her and Herman Van Rompuy [as European Council president] were a complete disgrace.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

36 human-written examples

Trump is not merely a disgrace; he's a total and complete disgrace.

Huffington Post

Trump is again number one — the most disgraceful figure in the Trump administration — in the Trump Terrible 10. Trump is not merely a disgrace; he's a total and complete disgrace.

Huffington Post

Trump is again number one — the most disgraceful figure in the Trump administration — in the Trump Terrible 10. Trump is not merely a disgrace; he's a total and complete disgrace.

Huffington Post

For all this garbage this and more, Trump is again number one — the most disgraceful figure in the Trump administration — in the Trump Terrible 10. Trump is not merely a disgrace; he's a total and complete disgrace.

Huffington Post

Even in his complete disgrace, Armstrong is held up as a media star, an object of fascination and speculation will we ever forgive Lance?

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a complete disgrace" to express strong disapproval or condemnation in situations where standards of behavior or performance have been severely violated. Be mindful of the context to ensure the phrase's intensity aligns with the situation.

Common error

Avoid using "a complete disgrace" for minor inconveniences or disagreements. Overusing the phrase can dilute its impact and make your writing seem hyperbolic or overly dramatic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a complete disgrace" functions as a subjective assessment expressing strong disapproval or condemnation. As supported by Ludwig, it's used to label something as deeply shameful or unacceptable.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

97%

Wiki

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a complete disgrace" is a phrase used to express strong disapproval or condemnation. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage, particularly in news and media. While powerful, it should be used judiciously to avoid diluting its impact. Alternatives such as "a total disgrace" or "an utter disgrace" can provide similar emphasis. Be mindful of the specific context and ensure the phrase's intensity aligns with the situation. Overuse can diminish the effect; therefore, use this phrase thoughtfully to convey a strong negative judgment effectively.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

A total disgrace

Emphasizes the entirety of the shameful action or situation.

An utter disgrace

Highlights the extreme nature of the shameful act.

A complete embarrassment

Focuses on the shamefulness and awkwardness of the situation.

A shameful episode

Refers specifically to an event marked by disgrace.

A complete failure

Emphasizes the lack of success and poor outcome.

A travesty

Suggests a distorted or misrepresented version of something.

An absolute outrage

Conveys a sense of moral shock and indignation.

A deplorable situation

Indicates something deserving strong condemnation.

A crying shame

Expresses a strong sense of disappointment and regret.

A lamentable state

Highlights the sorrowful and regrettable condition.

FAQs

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

You can use "a complete disgrace" to express strong disapproval or condemnation. For example, "The company's handling of the situation was "a complete disgrace".".

What are some alternatives to "a complete disgrace"?

Alternatives include "a total disgrace", "a complete embarrassment", or "an utter disgrace", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is "a complete disgrace" formal or informal?

While generally suitable for news and media contexts, "a complete disgrace" leans towards the stronger side of disapproval and may be perceived as less formal than alternatives in professional or academic settings.

When is it appropriate to use "a complete disgrace"?

Use "a complete disgrace" when you want to express severe disapproval of something that falls far short of expectations or ethical standards. Ensure that the severity of the phrase matches the situation.