feeling embarrassed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "feeling embarrassed" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when describing a state of discomfort or self-consciousness in a social situation. Example: She was feeling embarrassed after tripping in front of her classmates. Alternative expressions include "feeling ashamed" and "feeling awkward."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I was tired of feeling embarrassed.

The Guardian - Sport

"Are you feeling embarrassed?" Mr. Hollings asked.

The New York Times

He's not the only one feeling embarrassed.

The Guardian

Some people increased their pace, feeling embarrassed on our behalf.

Independent

But now even their touted defense was feeling embarrassed.

The New York Times - Sports

That warm, squishy feeling you're experiencing and maybe feeling embarrassed by?

The New York Times

Auden was friendly enough, even encouraging, but Paley went away feeling embarrassed.

The Guardian - Books

The other executive, whom he would not name, was feeling embarrassed and beaten down.

The New York Times

I often sit in the clinic chair feeling embarrassed or frustrated.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

I remember feeling embarrassed and surprised by my sense of priorities.

The Guardian

Their rapport, he added, allowed him to "keep quiet as long as I wish without feeling embarrassed".

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In academic writing, use "feeling embarrassed" when discussing the psychological effects of certain situations or conditions. Be specific about the triggers and consequences of this emotion.

Common error

Avoid overuse of "feeling embarrassed" in your writing. Vary your vocabulary by using synonyms like "ashamed", "humiliated", or "self-conscious" to provide nuance and avoid redundancy.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "feeling embarrassed" functions primarily as a descriptive phrase, often serving as a predicate adjective that modifies a subject. It describes a temporary emotional state. As evidenced by Ludwig, it's a common way to express a state of discomfort.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Science

25%

Wiki

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "feeling embarrassed" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase to describe a state of self-consciousness or mild shame, as confirmed by Ludwig. It appears frequently in News & Media, Science and Wiki sources. While there are alternative phrases like "ashamed", "humiliated", or "self-conscious", each carries slightly different connotations. When using "feeling embarrassed", be mindful of the context and audience, and avoid overuse by employing synonyms. This ensures clarity and precision in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

uncomfortable

A broader term indicating general unease, which can encompass embarrassment in certain situations.

self-conscious

Focuses on awareness of oneself, often leading to embarrassment in social situations.

awkward

Describes a feeling of unease or discomfort in a social setting, which can lead to embarrassment.

humiliated

Indicates a deeper level of embarrassment, often involving public shame or loss of dignity.

mortified

Suggests an extreme degree of embarrassment, close to humiliation, often used for dramatic effect.

feeling sheepish

Describes a sense of being foolish or slightly ashamed, often expressed with a timid demeanor.

ashamed

Expresses a stronger sense of guilt or wrongdoing compared to merely feeling embarrassed.

abashed

Implies a feeling of being humbled or disconcerted, often due to a social misstep.

chagrined

A more formal term for feeling disappointed and embarrassed about a failure or mistake.

disconcerted

Suggests a feeling of being unsettled or confused, which can lead to embarrassment.

FAQs

How can I use "feeling embarrassed" in a sentence?

You can use "feeling embarrassed" to describe a state of discomfort or self-consciousness caused by a social situation or personal action. For example, "She was "feeling embarrassed" after tripping on stage".

What's the difference between "feeling embarrassed" and "feeling ashamed"?

"Feeling embarrassed" generally refers to a milder sense of discomfort or self-consciousness, while "feeling ashamed" implies a stronger sense of guilt or wrongdoing.

What are some alternatives to "feeling embarrassed"?

You can use alternatives such as "feeling awkward", "feeling self-conscious", or "feeling humiliated", depending on the specific context and the intensity of the emotion.

Is it always negative to be "feeling embarrassed"?

While often negative, "feeling embarrassed" can sometimes be a signal of social awareness or a prompt for self-reflection and improvement. It depends on the situation and how the feeling is managed.