a disgrace

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a disgrace" is correct and commonly used in written English.
You can use it to describe something that is shameful or brings dishonor. Example: The politician's corrupt actions were a disgrace to their office and the community.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A disgrace".

The New Yorker

"It's just a disgrace".

The New York Times

"It is a disgrace".

The New York Times

"This is a disgrace".

The New York Times

"I think it's a disgrace".

BBC

As I said, a disgrace.

The New Yorker

It's a disgrace, it's unacceptable.

The New Yorker

It's a disgrace to Ecuador".

The New York Times

"It's a disgrace," said Tomaszewski.

Independent

M: It was a disgrace.

The New Yorker

"The pitch is a disgrace, a disgrace.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a disgrace" to express strong disapproval or condemnation of something considered shameful or unacceptable. Ensure the context clearly conveys the reason for the strong negative sentiment.

Common error

Avoid using "a disgrace" to describe minor inconveniences or trivial mistakes. This phrase is reserved for situations that warrant serious condemnation and can sound hyperbolic if used inappropriately.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a disgrace" functions as a noun phrase that expresses strong disapproval, condemnation, or a sense of shame. As Ludwig AI explains, it signifies something unacceptable or deeply dishonorable. It is commonly used to castigate actions, behaviors, or situations considered morally wrong or of very poor quality. This is consistent with the examples provided by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a disgrace" is a powerful expression of condemnation and disapproval, widely used across various contexts, especially in news and media. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and serves to highlight actions or situations considered deeply dishonorable or morally wrong. While its usage is generally neutral to formal, care should be taken to avoid overusing it in mild situations, reserving it for circumstances that truly warrant such a strong negative sentiment. Alternatives like "an outrage" or "a scandal" can offer nuanced ways to express disapproval, but "a disgrace" remains a potent and commonly understood phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an outrage

Emphasizes a sense of shock and anger at something considered morally wrong or unfair.

a scandal

Focuses on the aspect of public shame and damage to reputation.

a travesty

Highlights the idea that something is a distorted or inferior imitation of what it should be.

an embarrassment

Indicates shame or awkwardness caused by something.

a lamentable situation

Focuses on expressing regret or sorrow about a situation.

an unacceptable state of affairs

Highlights that something is not satisfactory or allowable.

a regrettable incident

Focuses on expressing regret or disappointment about an event.

a blight

Emphasizes the damaging or destructive effect of something.

an abomination

Expresses strong dislike or disgust for something.

a stain

Indicates a lasting negative mark or damage to someone's reputation.

FAQs

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

Use "a disgrace" to express strong disapproval of something. For example: "The team's poor performance was "a disgrace" to the entire nation."

What are some alternatives to saying "a disgrace"?

You can use alternatives such as "an outrage", "a scandal", or "a travesty", depending on the specific context and the nuance you wish to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "a disgrace" in formal writing?

Yes, "a disgrace" can be used in formal writing when expressing strong disapproval or condemnation, but consider the tone and audience. Ensure the severity of the situation warrants such strong language.

What's the difference between "a disgrace" and "a shame"?

"A disgrace" implies a stronger sense of dishonor and condemnation than "a shame". While "a shame" expresses regret or disappointment, "a disgrace" suggests something is morally wrong or deeply unacceptable.