embarrassing time

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "embarrassing time" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a period or moment that is awkward or causes shame, often in a personal or social context. Example: "That was an embarrassing time for me when I tripped and fell in front of everyone at the party."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sports

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

28 human-written examples

It's been an embarrassing time for the Salvation Army.

The New York Times

WHAT an embarrassing time for New York City.

The New York Times

BATS just happened to discover a bug at the most embarrassing time possible.

The New York Times

"I had gone through a real embarrassing time in my life," Brennan said.

The New York Times - Sports

Many feel this has been an embarrassing time for college sports.

The New York Times - Sports

It was an awkward, embarrassing time for both Belichick and the Jets.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

32 human-written examples

He gave us some cracking players but also some embarrassing times.

BBC

There were a few embarrassing times when the reporter was not even present.

Huffington Post

First-graders will cover a smile with their hand when a classmate does something embarrassing; in time, many become far more adept, reflexively masking surprise, alarm, even rage with a poker face.

The New York Times - Health

In 2017, a wall that proclaims itself "UNDER CONSTRUCTION" is the perfect visual foil for an embarrassing, tumultuous time in politics.

Vice

Since most of my other human interaction activities have a strong embarrassing and time-consuming side to them, those stories I make up are potentially true.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase, ensure the context clearly indicates what made the time or event embarrassing.

Common error

Avoid using "embarrassing time" for situations that are merely inconvenient or slightly awkward, as it suggests a stronger sense of shame or humiliation.

Linguistic Context

Embarrassing time functions as a noun phrase where "embarrassing" modifies "time". Ludwig provides examples showing its use to describe periods marked by shame or awkwardness. This contrasts with merely inconvenient situations.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Sports

25%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "embarrassing time" is a grammatically sound and usable English phrase that describes a period marked by shame, awkwardness, or humiliation. While Ludwig AI confirms its correctness, it's important to consider its uncommon frequency and primarily its use in news and sports contexts. To broaden your expression, consider context-appropriate alternatives like "awkward moment" or "shameful period". Ensure you clearly define what makes a specific time embarrassing to avoid misinterpretations. Remember, this phrase evokes a significant emotional impact; avoid using it for slight inconveniences.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

awkward moment

Focuses on a specific instance of awkwardness rather than an extended period.

shameful period

Emphasizes the feeling of shame experienced over a duration.

humiliating experience

Highlights the feeling of being humiliated during an event or situation.

mortifying situation

Conveys a sense of extreme embarrassment and shame.

awkward phase

Refers to a developmental stage marked by social awkwardness.

uncomfortable situation

Describes a general feeling of unease rather than specifically embarrassment.

regrettable incident

Highlights the feeling of regret associated with a specific event.

difficult chapter

Implies a challenging period that may or may not be embarrassing.

trying ordeal

Emphasizes the hardship and difficulty of the experience.

unfortunate episode

Downplays the emotional impact, focusing on the negative outcome.

FAQs

What does "embarrassing time" mean?

The phrase "embarrassing time" refers to a period or specific moment that is characterized by feelings of shame, awkwardness, or humiliation. It suggests an event or situation that causes discomfort or embarrassment.

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

You can use "embarrassing time" to describe a specific period, as in, "It's been an "embarrassing time" for the organization due to recent scandals". Or a specific episode, as in, "I had a very "embarrassing time" acting extremely badly at university".

What are some alternatives to "embarrassing time"?

Alternatives include "awkward moment", "shameful period", or "humiliating experience", depending on the specific context and intensity of the embarrassment.

Is "embarrassing time" grammatically correct?

Yes, "embarrassing time" is grammatically correct and commonly used in English to describe a period or moment characterized by embarrassment. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is usable in written English.