grave indignity

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "grave indignity" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a serious or severe disrespect or humiliation that someone has experienced. Example: "The accusations against him were not only false but also a grave indignity to his character."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Pogba was still by some distance the most elegant mover in the midfield, those spindly legs instruments of fine-tuned torture as at one point he flipped the ball over Touré's head – "putting a hat on him" in the Brazilian phrase, a grave indignity – before spinning around to pick up the return with Touré still engaging the reverse thrusters.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Plus he had to suffer the beyond-the-grave indignity of taking second billing on the single to Susan Boyle.

The Guardian - Music

But now the novel, widely considered one of the greatest works of the 20th century, has suffered perhaps its gravest indignity yet: being insulted by Paulo Coelho.

The New York Times

To spare the family the delay and expense of a formal undertaker's burial (or the indignity of pauper's grave), Grampa is laid to rest by his kin, surreptitiously, by the side of the road -- in the quilt Sairy had volunteered for the sick bed.

Huffington Post

In the fierce fighting, Colonel Shaw was killed leading his men --116 of whom died in the fighting Colonel Shaw's body was thrown into a mass grave with his men, which the Confederates thought was an indignity.

Huffington Post

His arrest this week is both a triumph of forensic science and police work and, for a girl in an unmarked grave an hour's drive from the gutter where she was dumped, something of a final indignity.

The New York Times

Marchioro says she wonders whether any of indignities could have happened to her son's body, which still lies in an unmarked grave in Perus.

Los Angeles Times

And while it may seem extraordinary that a king's grave could be lost, history shows the last of the Plantagenets was not the only one to suffer such indignity.

BBC

That indignity shouldn't hurt.

The New York Times

The indignity of it all.

Independent

More indignity followed.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "grave indignity" to emphasize the severity of the disrespect or humiliation. This phrase is particularly effective when describing actions that deeply offend someone's dignity or moral standing.

Common error

Avoid using "grave indignity" in situations where the disrespect is minor or trivial. This phrase carries significant weight and should be reserved for truly serious offenses against dignity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "grave indignity" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or preposition. It denotes a serious or profound insult, offense, or humiliation. Ludwig confirms its usability in written English. Examples show it describes actions or situations causing significant disrespect.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "grave indignity" is a noun phrase used to describe a serious or profound insult or humiliation. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is correct and usable, though relatively rare in occurrence. The primary context for its usage is news and media, where it serves to emphasize the severity of an offense against someone's dignity. When using the phrase, it's essential to ensure that the situation warrants such a strong term, reserving it for instances of truly significant disrespect. Alternative phrases such as "profound humiliation" or "severe disrespect" may be more appropriate in less severe cases.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

profound humiliation

Focuses on the emotional impact, emphasizing the depth of the shame experienced.

severe disrespect

Highlights the lack of respect shown, emphasizing the intensity of the disrespect.

deep shame

Emphasizes the feeling of disgrace and dishonor associated with the situation.

utter disgrace

Stresses the completeness and magnitude of the disgrace.

serious affront

Focuses on the act of offense or insult, highlighting its significant nature.

grievous insult

Highlights the painful and offensive nature of the insult.

extreme humiliation

Emphasizes the degree to which someone is humiliated.

major offense

Focuses on the act of causing hurt feelings, anger, or resentment and its importance.

palpable degradation

Implies a visible and easily felt sense of being lowered in dignity or status.

egregious dishonor

Highlights an outstandingly bad dishonorable event.

FAQs

How can I use "grave indignity" in a sentence?

You can use "grave indignity" to describe a situation where someone has experienced a severe form of disrespect or humiliation. For example, "Being falsely accused of theft was a "grave indignity" to his reputation".

What are some alternatives to using "grave indignity"?

Alternatives to "grave indignity" include "profound humiliation", "severe disrespect", or "deep shame" depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "grave indignity" in casual conversation?

While grammatically correct, "grave indignity" is a somewhat formal phrase. It is more suitable for writing or serious discussions rather than casual conversation. Simpler terms might be more appropriate in informal settings.

What distinguishes "grave indignity" from a regular insult?

"Grave indignity" implies a more profound and serious offense than a regular insult. It suggests a violation of someone's dignity or moral standing, causing significant humiliation and disrespect. A regular insult might be offensive but doesn't necessarily reach the level of a "grave indignity".