a point of embarrassment

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a point of embarrassment" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a specific situation or moment that causes feelings of shame or awkwardness. Example: "During the meeting, I realized I had forgotten to prepare my presentation, which became a point of embarrassment for me."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

"Obviously, that was a point of embarrassment," said Adam Graves, who scored his first goal in 17 games this afternoon.

The New York Times - Sports

But passage would at least make the district less a point of embarrassment before critics who note that, for all the talk of democracy in Congress, the host city has never been allotted its full share.

The New York Times

From Cassavetes, a touchstone for "Blue Valentine," Mr. Cianfrance said he learned the power of "trying to be honest almost to a point of embarrassment" and the idea that a movie could be "a living, breathing thing," evolving and giving up its secrets over time.

The New York Times

This became a point of embarrassment during the libel trial, when Bayliss's laboratory assistant, Charles Scuttle, testified that the dog had been killed with chloroform or the ACE mixture.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

The corruption in this state "is a point of intense embarrassment to me," he said in front of the cameras.

The New York Times

Followed by unrelenting questioning to get to the bottom of something a leader is believed to be hiding, pushing the leader to a point of anger, embarrassment or even humiliation to get a straight answer to a question he doesn't want to answer.

The New York Times

Think of him like Ted Nugent in that sense, only, instead of being a washed-up musician whose association with members of the Republican party is often serves a point of minor embarrassment, he's the president of Cambodia's main opposition party.     .

Vice

It is a point of some embarrassment to immunologists (and disappointment to medical insurers) that patients cannot walk into a doctor's surgery or pathology clinic and receive a test to determine the health of their immune systems.

Genome Medicine

In McCaw, we have a hero humble to the point of embarrassment; a Protestant wet dream of hard work paying off.

Vice

The postsynched soundtrack, an unfortunate habit of Italian cinema, is graceless to the point of embarrassment: enter a pair of young lovers in the tall grass, making love beside two sexed-up amphibians, and cue the heavy breathing.

The New York Times

Fraser is a small and wonderfully spirited presence, quick to laugh, self-deprecating to the point of embarrassment, but words remain a problem for her, at least in the artificial context of an interview.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a point of embarrassment" to describe a specific incident or fact that causes shame or awkwardness, ensuring the context is clear to the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "a point of embarrassment" when a more direct term like "shameful" or "awkward" would be clearer. Ensure it refers to a specific, identifiable cause of embarrassment, not a general feeling.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a point of embarrassment" functions as a noun phrase, often serving as a subject complement or object of a preposition. It identifies something specific that causes feelings of shame or awkwardness, as demonstrated by Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a point of embarrassment" is a phrase used to describe something that causes shame or awkwardness. As noted by Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and suitable for various contexts, although a more precise or formal alternative may sometimes be preferable. It appears most frequently in News & Media, with a neutral register overall. While not extremely common, the phrase is readily understood and effectively conveys the intended meaning. Considering alternatives such as "a source of shame" or "an awkward situation" can help refine your writing and provide greater clarity. Ensure that the context clearly identifies the specific source of embarrassment.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a source of shame

Replaces "point" with "source", emphasizing the origin of the embarrassing feeling.

a matter of humiliation

Replaces "embarrassment" with "humiliation", suggesting a deeper sense of shame.

a shameful episode

Highlights the event as one causing disgrace or dishonor.

an object of ridicule

Shifts the focus to being mocked or laughed at, intensifying the embarrassment.

a cause for chagrin

Uses a more formal term, "chagrin", to denote disappointment or distress at having failed.

an awkward situation

Focuses on the discomfort and unease caused by the situation.

a stain on one's reputation

Emphasizes the lasting damage to someone's image.

a blot on the landscape

Emphasizes the negative impact or undesirable quality of something.

a problematic aspect

Downplays the emotional element, focusing on the issue as something causing difficulty or concern.

a sensitive topic

Reframes the embarrassment as a topic that requires careful handling.

FAQs

How can I use "a point of embarrassment" in a sentence?

You can use "a point of embarrassment" to describe a particular situation, fact, or detail that causes shame or awkwardness. For example, "His constant tardiness became "a point of embarrassment" for the entire team."

What are some alternatives to "a point of embarrassment"?

Depending on the context, alternatives include "a source of shame", "a matter of humiliation", or "an awkward situation".

Is it better to use "point of embarrassment" or "source of embarrassment"?

Both "point of embarrassment" and "source of embarrassment" are correct. "Point of embarrassment" emphasizes a specific instance, while "source of embarrassment" highlights the origin or cause. The best choice depends on the specific context.

Can "a point of embarrassment" be used in formal writing?

Yes, "a point of embarrassment" is suitable for formal writing, but consider whether a more precise term like "a cause for chagrin" might be more appropriate depending on the audience and tone.