embarrassment about

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "embarrassment about" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it to describe the feeling of embarrassment or shame that someone may experience in a particular situation. This phrase may be used to explain why someone is feeling self-conscious, uncomfortable, or awkward. Example: Sarah couldn't help but feel a wave of embarrassment about her messy hair as she walked into the fancy restaurant.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Embarrassment about sex, embarrassment about friendship.

The Guardian

Why such anxiety and embarrassment about poetry?

The Guardian - Books

"There is an embarrassment about it all.

The Guardian

So did embarrassment about past ties to the Qaddafis.

The New Yorker

I love the lack of embarrassment about making inconsequential chat.

The Guardian - Sport

He has lost his sense of embarrassment about this.

The New York Times

He added that he felt no embarrassment about the backtracking.

The New York Times - Arts

Sometimes children of alcoholics experience guilt, anxiety, anger, depression, or embarrassment about a parent's drinking.

Columbia University

Mr. Wall also said he felt no embarrassment about the company's leaving its prestigious home.

The New York Times - Arts

Most men with PE are not receiving treatment, secondary to their embarrassment about discussing their condition and a lack of clinician inquiry about sexual dysfunction.

The Journal of Sexual Medicine

But that maturity does not inoculate her from embarrassment about Ian's outbursts, particularly during church services.

The New York Times - Health

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "embarrassment about", ensure the context clearly specifies what is causing the embarrassment. Be precise in describing the source of discomfort to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "embarrassment about" without clearly defining the cause. For example, instead of saying "There was embarrassment about the situation", specify what aspects of the situation caused the discomfort.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "embarrassment about" functions as a prepositional phrase, typically followed by a noun or gerund, to indicate the subject or cause of the embarrassment. According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

35%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "embarrassment about" is a grammatically correct and widely used prepositional phrase that expresses feelings of shame, discomfort, or awkwardness related to a specific cause. It is commonly found in news, scientific, and academic contexts. While versatile, ensure that the cause of the embarrassment is clearly defined. Ludwig AI affirms the phrase's correctness and provides numerous examples of its usage across authoritative sources. Alternatives like "uneasiness regarding" or "shame concerning" may be more appropriate depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

shame concerning

Emphasizes the feeling of deep regret or moral failing, which is a stronger emotion than simple embarrassment.

self-consciousness regarding

Highlights the awareness of oneself in relation to others, focusing on the feeling of being watched or judged.

awkwardness about

Focuses on the feeling of being clumsy or uncoordinated in social situations.

uneasiness regarding

Replaces "embarrassment" with a more general term for discomfort, making it slightly less specific.

apprehension concerning

Indicates a sense of worry or anxiety, shifting the focus from shame to concern.

discomfort with

A more general term for feeling uneasy, suitable when the specific nuance of "embarrassment" is not required.

discomfiture with

A more formal way to express a feeling of unease or awkwardness.

hesitation about

Suggests a reluctance to do something due to uncertainty or fear, rather than embarrassment.

reluctance regarding

Similar to hesitation but implies a stronger unwillingness, perhaps due to moral or ethical reasons.

concern over

Indicates worry or interest, moving away from the personal feeling of embarrassment to a broader sense of care.

FAQs

How can I use "embarrassment about" in a sentence?

You can use "embarrassment about" to express feelings of shame or discomfort regarding a particular situation or topic. For example, "She felt considerable "embarrassment about" her mistake during the presentation."

What are some alternatives to "embarrassment about"?

Alternatives include "uneasiness regarding", "self-consciousness concerning", or "shame concerning", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. You can use alternatives like "uneasiness regarding", "self-consciousness concerning", or "shame concerning".

Is it always appropriate to use "embarrassment about"?

While grammatically correct, "embarrassment about" may not always be the most precise choice. Consider the specific emotion you want to express and choose a synonym if it better fits the context. For instance, "discomfort with" may be more suitable in some situations.

What's the difference between "embarrassment about" and "embarrassed by"?

"Embarrassment about" refers to a general feeling of unease or shame regarding something, while "embarrassed by" indicates that something specific is causing the feeling. For example, "embarrassment about the situation" versus "embarrassed by the mistake".