disgrace

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "disgrace" is correct and usable in written English.
It is usually used to describe feelings of deep shame or embarrassment, such as when a person or organization does something that is considered wrong or immoral. For example, "The mayor's decision to not invest in the city's infrastructure was a disgrace."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"This is a disgrace".

The New York Times

"It is a disgrace".

The New York Times

"It's a national disgrace".

The New York Times

The horsemeat disgrace exposed a systemic dysfunction in capitalism: the abuse of suppliers by all-powerful supermarkets resulting in dinners that families couldn't trust.

The Guardian - Opinion

"It's the biggest disgrace I've every seen in my life, paying £4 for a roll," Sands said.

The Guardian

Related: Tea is a national disgrace | Joel Dolby I did wonder, when I read this, what Moss was supposed to have done to be disruptive.

The Guardian - Opinion

For many, this was not just a sporting humiliation but a national disgrace.

The Guardian - Opinion

Sturgeon also attacked David Cameron saying it was a disgrace that he had refused to defend his record by failing to turn up to the debate at all.

The Guardian

"No Englishman, or Englishwoman, will need reminding of that moment," read a profile of David Beckham after his disgrace in 1998, but today I suspect some will.

The Guardian - Sport

The Guardian As counting gets under way in Northern Ireland this morning the electoral system has been branded a "laughing stock" by a leading academic while the last speaker of the Stormont assembly has branded it a "disgrace".

The Guardian

This, he opined lightly, was ‘a disgrace’.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "disgrace" to describe situations involving a significant loss of respect or honor, whether personal, professional, or national. Consider the intensity of the situation to ensure the word's weight is appropriate.

Common error

Avoid using "disgrace" for minor inconveniences or disagreements. Reserve it for situations where there is a genuine loss of honor, respect, or reputation. Overusing it weakens its impact.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "disgrace" is that of a noun, referring to the state of being out of favor or a cause of shame. It can also function as a verb, meaning to bring shame or dishonor upon someone or something. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage across numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "disgrace" is a versatile term used to denote a state of dishonor, shame, or loss of respect. As a noun, it refers to the condition itself or the cause of it; as a verb, it describes the act of bringing dishonor. According to Ludwig AI, the term is grammatically correct and frequently used across diverse contexts. It appears most often in News & Media, signaling its relevance in reporting events that tarnish reputations or reflect poorly on individuals or institutions. While it's a powerful word, avoid overusing it in minor situations to maintain its impact. Alternatives like ""shame"" or ""dishonor"" may be more appropriate in less severe circumstances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

source of shame

Identifies something that causes feelings of embarrassment or dishonor.

act of dishonor

Emphasizes the action that brings about the disgrace.

scandal

Describes an event or action that causes public outrage and damages reputation.

loss of face

Focuses on the social aspect of losing respect or status.

national embarrassment

Refers to a situation that brings shame to a country.

public humiliation

Highlights the public aspect and embarrassment associated with the disgrace.

fall from grace

Emphasizes a decline from a previously held position of honor or favor.

ignominious defeat

Describes a defeat that is particularly shameful and degrading.

mark of shame

Indicates a lasting negative impact or stigma.

stain on one's reputation

Highlights the damaging impact on someone's public image.

FAQs

How can I use "disgrace" in a sentence?

You can use "disgrace" to describe a state of dishonor or something that causes shame. For example, "The scandal brought disgrace upon the entire company" or "His actions were a disgrace to the family name".

What words can I use instead of "disgrace"?

Alternatives to "disgrace" include "shame", "dishonor", "ignominy", or "humiliation depending" on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "in disgrace"?

Yes, "in disgrace" is a common and correct idiom. It describes someone who has lost favor or respect due to wrongdoing, like "After the scandal, he lived in disgrace".

What's the difference between "disgrace" and "embarrassment"?

"Disgrace" implies a serious loss of reputation or honor, often due to a moral failing, whereas "embarrassment" is a milder feeling of self-consciousness or awkwardness. A minor social faux pas might cause embarrassment, but a serious crime could bring disgrace.