embarrass someone

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "embarrass someone" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when referring to causing someone to feel self-conscious or ashamed in a social situation. For example, "He didn't mean to embarrass her during the presentation." Alternative expressions include "humiliate someone," "shame someone," and "mortify someone."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

Even more have access to information that isn't classified but might embarrass someone.

The Washington Post

Trying to predict what will eventually embarrass someone else is a fool's errand, of course, but there are obvious guardrails.

The Washington Post

"That takes a lot because some people would rather fight and embarrass someone in the opposing party".

The New York Times

"You can't threaten to embarrass someone unless they pay you money," he said, "even if they did exactly what you are threatening to embarrass them about".

The New York Times

And if even H.P.'s board couldn't get a stubborn director to resign, who could? "No one wants to embarrass someone," Mr. Elson said.

The New York Times

She said she tries to give ages when possible "but not to force the issue since these are feature stories about people's homes and their private lives, not investigative pieces, and I'm reluctant to embarrass someone whose only offense is having a well-designed home".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

After all that, I can be fired for "embarrassing" someone, who directly insults his or her server on religious grounds.

The Guardian - Opinion

The campaigns' consultants have run experiments to determine if embarrassing someone for not voting by sending letters to their neighbors or posting their voting histories online is effective.

The New York Times

As Payton, Garnett and friends are learning, walking that line between publicly embarrassing someone and having genuine fun at an opponent's expense is always rough when you are this good.

The New York Times - Sports

Sometimes, meeting behavior can even reach the point of embarrassing someone's teammates and coworkers.

Forbes

You may want to choose to make assignments in private discussions to avoid embarrassing someone who may really not want a particular task -- this is your call based on your assessments of the group dynamics.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the context and audience when using "embarrass someone". Overuse can diminish its impact, while misuse can cause unintended offense.

Common error

Avoid using "embarrass someone" in highly formal or professional documents. Opt for more neutral terms like "discomfit" or "cause unease" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "embarrass someone" functions as a transitive verb phrase, where "embarrass" is the verb and "someone" is the direct object. It describes the action of causing someone to feel self-conscious, ashamed, or awkward. As Ludwig AI explains, it is frequently used in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

30%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Science

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "embarrass someone" is a common and grammatically correct verb phrase used to describe the act of causing someone to feel awkward, ashamed, or self-conscious. Ludwig AI indicates that it’s suitable for many contexts, though it's best to consider your audience and the specific situation to avoid unintentional offense. While alternatives like "humiliate someone" or "mortify someone" exist, their connotations may be stronger. It's best to be mindful in formal settings, where more neutral language may be preferred. Given its frequency in news media and general writing, the phrase is widely understood and accepted.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

humiliate someone

Focuses more strongly on causing a feeling of shame and a loss of dignity.

shame someone

Emphasizes the act of making someone feel guilty or disgraced.

make someone lose face

Emphasizes the social aspect of embarrassment, where reputation is damaged.

mortify someone

Highlights the intensity of embarrassment, suggesting extreme discomfort.

cause public humiliation

Highlights the public nature of the act and its potential impact on social standing.

discomfit someone

Implies a milder form of embarrassment, more about making someone uneasy.

make a fool of someone

Focuses on the act of making someone appear ridiculous or silly.

put someone to shame

Suggests surpassing someone else's achievements, indirectly causing embarrassment.

make someone feel small

Focuses on diminishing someone's confidence and self-esteem.

cause someone chagrin

Highlights a feeling of vexation marked by disappointment or failure.

FAQs

What's the difference between "embarrass someone" and "humiliate someone"?

"Embarrass someone" typically suggests a mild feeling of self-consciousness or awkwardness, while "humiliate someone" implies a deeper sense of shame and a loss of dignity, often publicly.

What are some alternatives to "embarrass someone"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "discomfit someone", "mortify someone", or "make someone feel small" as alternatives to "embarrass someone".

How can I use "embarrass someone" in a sentence?

You can use "embarrass someone" in a sentence like, "He didn't mean to embarrass her with his comment" or "The politician's actions embarrassed the entire party."

Is it ever okay to try to "embarrass someone"?

Generally, it is not considered ethical or kind to intentionally "embarrass someone". Such actions can damage relationships and create a negative social environment.