cause for mortification

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cause for mortification" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a reason or justification for feeling embarrassed or ashamed. Example: "His public blunder was a cause for mortification that he would not soon forget."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Arts

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Individualism is cause for mortification.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

The scintillating, psychologically reverberant result is his bent for mortification, a cinematic self-scourging through exposure — facing embarrassment through em-bare-assment.

The New Yorker

In "It's a Wonderful Life" (1946) and his other films, Capra endowed his protagonists with a Christ-like vocation for mortification and salvation.

The New York Times

Aware of the potential for mortification, I set up some ground rules: first and foremost, I would avoid rides that would flip me upside down or twirl me like a top.

The New York Times - Travel

What to most people would be cause for a minor outbreak of sheepishness can lead Knausgaard to suffer agonies of mortification.

The Guardian - Books

A cause for tears?

Independent

The cause for delay?

Independent

Hardly cause for celebration.

Independent

— probable cause for an arrest.

The New Yorker

It is cause for hope.

The New York Times

Is there cause for worry?

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "cause for mortification" when you want to emphasize a deep feeling of shame or embarrassment resulting from a specific event or situation. It is particularly effective when describing public or social blunders.

Common error

Avoid using "cause for mortification" for minor embarrassments or trivial mistakes. This phrase implies a significant level of shame and humiliation, and using it inappropriately can sound overdramatic.

Linguistic Context

Cause for mortification functions as a prepositional phrase that identifies a reason or justification for experiencing intense shame or humiliation. Ludwig confirms this phrase is usable. Its primary grammatical role is to act as a noun complement, further describing the cause or reason.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Arts

20%

Science

16%

Less common in

Formal & Business

14%

Wiki

10%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "cause for mortification" is a grammatically correct prepositional phrase used to describe the reason behind a significant feeling of shame or humiliation. Ludwig confirms its usability. While relatively rare, it appears most frequently in news and media contexts, and arts, suggesting a formal or neutral tone. Similar phrases include "reason for embarrassment" and "source of shame", which offer less intense alternatives. When using this phrase, ensure that the level of embarrassment described matches the gravity implied by "mortification" to avoid overdramatization.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

reason for embarrassment

Replaces "cause for mortification" with a more direct and common expression of embarrassment.

source of shame

Substitutes "mortification" with "shame", focusing on the feeling of deep humiliation.

occasion for humiliation

Replaces "cause" with "occasion", offering a slightly more formal tone.

ground for chagrin

Uses "chagrin" as a synonym for mortification, suggesting a milder form of disappointment and embarrassment.

reason for discomfiture

Employs "discomfiture", indicating a state of unease and embarrassment.

basis for mortification

Swaps "cause" with "basis", providing a more formal and structural tone.

justification for shame

Focuses on the justification behind the feeling of shame.

impetus for humiliation

Uses "impetus" to highlight what prompts the feeling of humiliation.

excuse for embarrassment

Suggests that the mortification might be perceived as excusable under certain circumstances.

a matter of shame

Presents the situation as something inherently shameful.

FAQs

How can I use "cause for mortification" in a sentence?

You can use "cause for mortification" to describe a situation that results in deep shame or embarrassment. For example: "His public blunder was a "cause for mortification" that he would not soon forget."

What's a less formal way to say "cause for mortification"?

Less formal alternatives include "reason for embarrassment" or "source of shame". These phrases convey a similar meaning without the intensity of ""cause for mortification"".

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "cause for mortification"?

It's appropriate when describing situations involving significant social or professional embarrassment, public humiliation, or deep personal shame. Avoid using it for trivial or minor incidents.

What is the difference between "cause for embarrassment" and "cause for mortification"?

"Cause for embarrassment" implies a mild feeling of awkwardness or shame, while ""cause for mortification"" suggests a much deeper and more intense feeling of humiliation and shame.