cause disgrace

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cause disgrace" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to actions or behaviors that lead to shame or loss of reputation. Example: "His reckless behavior could cause disgrace to his family name."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

Wiki

News & Media

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

Thus a person from low income settings would feel responsible for the consequences of the illness on the family experiencing the illness not only as a personal tragedy but that they have caused disgrace to the family by becoming ill, and that the condition may have devastating consequences on the social standing of the family.

BMC Psychiatry

A corpse rejected by hyenas is seen as having something wrong with it, and liable to cause social disgrace, therefore it is not uncommon for bodies to be covered in fat and blood from a slaughtered ox.

Wikipedia

Hijras as children are many a times socially excluded by their own family members, who consider them as a cause of disgrace and stigmatization for the whole family.

BMC International Health and Human Rights

Whether the Eurosceptics dog whistle or wolf whistle, they will come, and they won't care that their behaviour wrecks their own cause, and disgraces their country.

The Guardian - Opinion

Twenty-year-old Mary Pickford gives a typically nuanced performance in the lead role of a motherless child swept up in small-town scandal, and Lionel Barrymore makes his first screen performance as the local minister whose kindness causes the disgrace.

The Guardian - Film

I've never used that word in a rugby league context before, but the literal meaning – "to cause humiliation and disgrace by making malicious and false statements" – could not be more appropriate.

The Guardian - Sport

"I didn't mean to cause so much disgrace to the SEALs," he said.

Vice

Moreover, he did not do away with the guilty men but preserved them for the state against the needs of wartime, believing that they would make amends, by reason of the punishment caused by that disgrace, and would be eager to wipe out their former shame by bolder deeds of bravery.

University of Chicago

But Bregman said the Japanese had no cause to feel disgraced.

The New York Times

The Ecuadoran forces, poorly trained and equipped, were easily defeated, and the disgrace caused the overthrow of Arroyo del Río.

Britannica

He took a Trumpian approach, claiming the day's hearing was a "national disgrace" caused by a "frenzy on the left" who "were lying in wait and had it ready".

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "cause disgrace", consider the intensity of the situation and choose the most appropriate alternative if the context requires a milder or stronger expression. For example, use "bring dishonor" or "tarnish the reputation" for nuanced effects.

Common error

Avoid using "cause disgrace" repeatedly in formal writing. While grammatically correct, it can sound somewhat simplistic. Opt for more sophisticated alternatives like "lead to disrepute" or "precipitate a scandal" for a more refined tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cause disgrace" primarily functions as a verb phrase. It typically connects an action or event to its negative consequence of bringing about shame or dishonor. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

News & Media

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Science

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Wiki

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Less common in

Encyclopedias

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Formal & Business

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Social Media

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "cause disgrace" is a grammatically correct phrase used to express that an action or situation results in shame or dishonor. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's usable in various contexts, although more formal alternatives might be preferred in certain settings. Its frequency is currently low, suggesting it is not as commonly used as its synonyms. Related phrases include "bring dishonor" and "tarnish the reputation", offering alternative ways to convey similar meanings with subtle differences in emphasis. When using "cause disgrace", consider the specific context and choose the most appropriate expression to accurately reflect the intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

bring dishonor

Replaces "disgrace" with "dishonor", focusing on the loss of honor or respect.

bring shame

Uses "shame" instead of "disgrace", emphasizing the feeling of humiliation.

lead to dishonor

Similar to "bring dishonor" but uses "lead to" to imply a process or path.

result in disgrace

Focuses on the consequence of an action, using "result in" to highlight the outcome.

create scandal

Emphasizes the public aspect of the disgrace, focusing on the widespread outrage or shock.

give rise to shame

A more formal way of saying "cause shame", emphasizing the origin of the feeling.

tarnish the reputation

Focuses on damaging someone's or something's good name or image.

stain the honor

Emphasizes the lasting negative impact on someone's honor or integrity.

be a source of shame

Highlights the continuous nature of being the origin of shame.

discredit someone

Focuses on undermining someone's credibility or reputation.

FAQs

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

You can use "cause disgrace" to indicate that someone's actions or behavior will result in shame or loss of reputation. For example, "His actions could "bring shame" upon the family."

What are some alternatives to "cause disgrace"?

Alternatives include "bring dishonor", "bring shame", "tarnish the reputation", or "result in disgrace" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "cause disgrace" or "bring disgrace"?

"Cause disgrace" and "bring disgrace" are both grammatically correct and convey a similar meaning. The choice between them often depends on personal preference or the specific rhythm of the sentence.

What is the difference between "cause disgrace" and "be a source of shame"?

"Cause disgrace" suggests a direct action leading to shame, while "be a source of shame" implies a more continuous or inherent characteristic. The phrase "be a source of shame" indicates that something consistently brings about feelings of shame.