bring shame

USAGE SUMMARY

"bring shame" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you want to express that someone's actions or words have caused an attitude of dishonor, disgrace, or humiliation. For example: "What he did brought shame to the entire family."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

You'll bring shame on your family".

The New York Times - Books

You really have to do something to bring shame".

The New York Times

"Curved back: she could bring shame on her family.

The Guardian

And money-having values that to me bring shame to rappin'.

The New Yorker

You understand you have the power to bring shame and dishonour to your family.

Independent

You have done more to bring shame on the family than could ever have been imagined".

The Guardian

"The fear is that you will bring shame to your entire family with your choices.

The New York Times

Many governments think that, like famines, droughts bring shame on their countries.

The Guardian

The black body threatens always to bring shame and dread to its owner.

The Guardian - Books

Any illegal acts would bring shame on our country and our Constitution.

The New York Times

The incident was chilling and people like De Tommaso bring shame upon Il Calcio.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "bring shame" to highlight actions that violate deeply held cultural or ethical values, especially when discussing family, community, or national pride.

Common error

Avoid using "bring shame" too casually in contemporary writing where a less severe term like "embarrass" or "disappoint" might be more appropriate. Reserve it for situations involving significant moral or ethical breaches.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "bring shame" functions as a verb phrase, where "bring" is the main verb and "shame" is the direct object. According to Ludwig AI, it expresses the action of causing dishonor, disgrace, or humiliation. Examples show its usage in various contexts, like actions bringing shame to a family or a country.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

15%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "bring shame" is a common expression used to describe actions that cause disgrace or dishonor. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use, particularly in News & Media and Scientific contexts. While generally neutral in register, its impact is significant, often highlighting violations of important ethical, social, or moral values. Related phrases include "cause disgrace", "invite dishonor", and "provoke humiliation", offering nuanced ways to express similar ideas. When using "bring shame", it's best to reserve it for situations where actions carry significant moral or ethical weight and potentially lasting repercussions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

cause disgrace

Focuses on the act of causing dishonor or loss of reputation.

invite dishonor

Emphasizes the act of attracting or leading to a state of dishonor.

provoke humiliation

Highlights the act of causing someone to feel deeply ashamed and embarrassed.

lead to ignominy

Focuses on the end result of actions, resulting in public disgrace or dishonor.

reflect badly on

Indicates that someone's actions create a negative impression or damage the reputation of a person or group.

tarnish the image of

Emphasizes the act of damaging or discoloring someone's reputation or image.

cast a shadow upon

Suggests that something negatively impacts the reputation or honor.

discredit

Focuses on damaging the credibility or reputation of someone or something.

lower the esteem

Highlights the act of reducing the respect or admiration held for someone or something.

blemish the reputation

Focuses on the act of creating a flaw or imperfection on someone's good name.

FAQs

How can I use "bring shame" in a sentence?

You can use "bring shame" to describe actions that cause disgrace or dishonor to someone or something. For example, "His actions could "bring shame" on his family" or "The scandal "brought shame" to the entire organization".

What are some alternatives to "bring shame"?

Alternatives to "bring shame" include "cause disgrace", "invite dishonor", "provoke humiliation", or "tarnish the image of". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "bring shame"?

"Bring shame" is most appropriate when describing actions that severely damage someone's reputation or violate important moral or cultural values. It's stronger than simply causing embarrassment or disappointment.

What's the difference between "bring shame" and "embarrass"?

"Bring shame" implies a more profound and lasting disgrace, often affecting not only the individual but also their family or community. "Embarrass" typically refers to a more temporary and personal feeling of awkwardness or discomfort.