asking for embarrassment

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "asking for embarrassment" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where someone is seeking or inviting a situation that may lead to feelings of shame or awkwardness. Example: "By sharing that embarrassing story in front of everyone, he was really asking for embarrassment."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

If your band plays some kickin' music but doesn't have a banner with stage lights you are just asking for embarrassment.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

It helps that, unlike some people in the business, he actually enjoys fund-raising and long ago got over any embarrassment at asking for large sums.

The New York Times - Arts

Ford, whose president and C.E.O., Alan Mulally, had sold off a number of subsidiaries in recent years and effectively mortgaged the company to raise cash, decided that it could forgo the immediate embarrassment of asking for government money, but requested a government credit line of nine billion dollars.

The New Yorker

So is the risk of stigma and embarrassment in asking for help or of going to classes and not doing as well as you can because of fatigue and gnawing hunger.

Huffington Post

In the meantime up to 1,700 people a day were still crossing from East to West Berlin and asking for refugee status, which caused huge embarrassment to the East Germans.

The Guardian

Others talked about the embarrassment they felt about asking for help.

The Guardian

No participant spoke about men in this way, but some did mention the embarrassment men may feel asking for a STI test.

BMC Family Practice

While asking for money used to be the source of embarrassment, online giving "has taken the fear out of it", says Rhyan Romaine, a non-profit consultant and professional grant writer.

BBC

This also means feeling no embarrassment or guilt in calling and asking for payment.

The Guardian

So why risk the embarrassment?" (I personally think these guys are just asking for the photos so they can show their friends in the cafeteria at lunchtime, high-fives all around. Typical teenage guy nonsense).

TechCrunch

Patients also resisted asking for help, which increased feelings of isolation, due to shame, guilt, and embarrassment, or not wanting to be a burden to family or friends [ 22, 31, 32].

BMC Health Services Research

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use the phrase "asking for embarrassment" when you want to emphasize that someone's actions are directly inviting a situation where they are likely to feel ashamed or awkward.

Common error

Avoid using "asking for embarrassment" when the situation is merely unfortunate or accidental. The phrase implies a degree of intentionality or recklessness that leads to the embarrassing outcome.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "asking for embarrassment" functions as a descriptor, indicating that someone's actions or behavior are likely to lead to a situation where they will feel ashamed or awkward. Ludwig confirms the validity of this construction, highlighting its usage in contexts where an individual is essentially inviting a potentially humiliating experience.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Wiki

30%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Encyclopedias

7%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "asking for embarrassment" is a grammatically sound but infrequently used expression that describes behavior likely to result in shame or awkwardness. As Ludwig confirms, it's most commonly found in news and media, as well as wiki-based content. While direct alternatives like "courting humiliation" or "inviting ridicule" can provide a more formal tone, it's crucial to consider the level of intentionality implied when using this phrase. Over all, avoid using this phrase when the embarrassing situation is completely accidental or unexpected. Consider more appropriate phrases if you want to be more formal or simply avoid any misinterpretations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

inviting ridicule

This alternative suggests an action that makes someone likely to be mocked or laughed at, similar to inviting embarrassment.

courting humiliation

This phrase implies deliberately behaving in a way that could lead to feeling ashamed or foolish.

seeking shame

This alternative directly suggests looking for a situation that causes disgrace or dishonor.

risking humiliation

This phrase highlights the potential for being humiliated as a consequence of one's actions.

tempting fate

This idiom implies taking a chance that could lead to negative consequences, including embarrassment.

begging for trouble

Suggests behaving in a way that is likely to cause problems or difficulties, including embarrassment.

playing with fire

Indicates engaging in a risky activity that could lead to negative outcomes, such as embarrassment.

walking into a trap

Suggests unknowingly entering a situation that is designed to cause harm or embarrassment.

setting oneself up for a fall

Implies behaving in a way that makes one likely to experience failure or embarrassment.

making a spectacle of oneself

This suggests behaving in a way that draws attention and could lead to embarrassment.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "asking for embarrassment" to sound more formal?

In more formal contexts, consider using phrases like "courting humiliation" or "inviting ridicule" to convey a similar meaning. These alternatives offer a more elevated tone while retaining the core idea of seeking a potentially shameful situation.

What does it mean when someone is "asking for embarrassment"?

It means they are behaving in a way that makes them likely to experience shame, awkwardness, or public humiliation. It suggests a level of responsibility for the situation due to their actions.

Is "asking for embarrassment" the same as "asking for trouble"?

While related, they are not identical. "Asking for trouble" implies inviting general problems or difficulties, while "asking for embarrassment" specifically refers to actions that are likely to cause shame or awkwardness. You could be "asking for trouble" without necessarily inviting embarrassment, and vice versa.

How to avoid "asking for embarrassment" in professional situations?

To avoid potential embarrassment in professional settings, carefully consider the consequences of your actions, especially regarding communication and public behavior. Err on the side of caution and always maintain a respectful and professional demeanor. Reflect before acting to not be "risking humiliation".