embarrassing answer

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "embarrassing answer" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a response that causes shame or discomfort, often due to its inappropriateness or lack of knowledge. Example: "When asked about the project, he gave an embarrassing answer that left everyone in the room speechless."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

The embarrassing answer appears to be that not one of the G7 countries that set up the task-force has yet implemented all of the terrorist-financing recommendations.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

The ambassador, embarrassed, answered, "Walters, you may be good soldier, but diplomat you are not".

The New York Times

Rather than air McCain's embarrassing inaccurate answer, CBS edited the tape to use a McCain answer to a previous question in the place of his real answer--a deliberate distortion of reality.

Huffington Post

Walker's embarrassing non-answer on evolution was recently matched by his punt on the question of whether he agreed with the comment by Rudy Giuliani, the former New York mayor, that Obama did not love America and isn't a good Christian.

The Guardian

The patients reported that they were embarrassed to answer Item IRT23 "My sexual activity is satisfactory".

Health and Quality of Life Outcomes

Never be embarrassed to answer this question.

WikiHow

Miliband's tactics were straightforward; ask a question to which the answer the answer is embarrassing, and then taunt the prime minister when he refuses to answer.

The Guardian

It's pretty embarrassing if your answer is a sad little "nothing".

The Guardian

I'm beginning to have trouble remembering all the details, and it's embarrassing trying to answer all these sudden questions I've been asked.

The New York Times

"How do I answer without embarrassing my friend the mayor?" she said.

The New York Times

The answer, deeply embarrassing to cultural authorities in France, Switzerland, Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany, Austria and Denmark, is that security was totally inadequate.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "embarrassing answer" when you want to convey that a response is causing shame or discomfort, either to the person giving it or to those who hear it. It's effective in highlighting the awkwardness or inappropriateness of the reply.

Common error

While "embarrassing answer" is appropriate in many contexts, overuse can dilute its impact. Consider using more nuanced synonyms like "shameful response" or "awkward reply" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "embarrassing answer" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where 'embarrassing' modifies the noun 'answer'. It is used to describe the quality or nature of the answer, indicating it causes shame or discomfort. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable nature in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Science

18%

Wiki

14%

Less common in

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "embarrassing answer" is a grammatically sound and frequently used term to describe a response causing shame or discomfort. Ludwig AI confirms its validity, and it commonly appears in News & Media, Science, and Wiki contexts. While effective, synonyms like "shameful response" or "awkward reply" can add nuance. Use "embarrassing answer" judiciously to highlight the negative impact of a response, but be mindful of overuse for maintaining reader engagement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

shameful response

Replaces 'embarrassing' with 'shameful', emphasizing the feeling of disgrace associated with the answer.

awkward reply

Substitutes 'embarrassing' with 'awkward', highlighting the uncomfortable nature of the response.

humiliating response

Replaces 'embarrassing' with 'humiliating', stressing the demeaning aspect of the answer.

mortifying answer

Substitutes 'embarrassing' with 'mortifying', amplifying the intensity of shame associated with the answer.

disconcerting reply

Replaces 'embarrassing' with 'disconcerting', focusing on the unsettling or confusing nature of the response.

uncomfortable response

Substitutes 'embarrassing' with 'uncomfortable', generalizing the unpleasantness of the answer.

regrettable answer

Replaces 'embarrassing' with 'regrettable', emphasizing that it would be better if the answer wasn't given.

inconvenient response

Substitutes 'embarrassing' with 'inconvenient', focusing on the problematic aspect of the response in the situation.

unflattering reply

Replaces 'embarrassing' with 'unflattering', highlighting the damage to someone's reputation.

compromising answer

Substitutes 'embarrassing' with 'compromising', focusing on the damaging aspect of the response in the situation.

FAQs

How can I use "embarrassing answer" in a sentence?

You can use "embarrassing answer" to describe a response that causes discomfort or shame. For example: "His "embarrassing answer" revealed a lack of preparation for the interview."

What can I say instead of "embarrassing answer"?

You can use alternatives like "shameful response", "awkward reply", or "humiliating response" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "embarrassing answer"?

It's appropriate when the response causes shame, awkwardness, or discomfort, either to the person giving the answer or to those who hear it. It implies a lack of knowledge, tact, or preparation.

What's the difference between "embarrassing answer" and "disappointing answer"?

"Embarrassing answer" suggests shame or awkwardness, while "disappointing answer" indicates that the response failed to meet expectations but doesn't necessarily imply shame.