great disgrace

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "great disgrace" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or action that is considered highly shameful or dishonorable. Example: "The scandal surrounding the politician's actions was a great disgrace to the entire community."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

"To kill someone like that would be a great disgrace.

The New Yorker

His record in handling the great disgrace of the pedophile priests is mixed at best.

The New York Times

"I got really scotched in the press — 'a great disgrace' and those kinds of remarks," she said.

The New Yorker

"I hadn't known my father had it; in England it was a great disgrace, to do with poverty and immigrants".

The Guardian - Books

The cases of child abuse are a great disgrace for all Catholics, and the pope himself has spoken out strongly against them.

The New York Times

It was suffered by numerous ignominious emperors of Rome in the early empire, and, even in the later empire, it was a mark of great disgrace.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

Peter King: "One of the great disgraces in NFL history".

The New Yorker

Somebody's got to do it and this is one of the great disgraces of New York.

The New York Times

A Brooklyn Law School professor, William E. Hellerstein, who, as a young Legal Aid lawyer, represented Mr. Solomon, called Bruce's conviction "one of the great disgraces of legal history".

The New York Times

Just when the I.O.C. seems to be trying to clean its own house, the skating world is facing one of the great disgraces in Olympic history.

The New York Times - Sports

She never accepted it, humiliating Leicester in public: "my open and great disgraces delivered from her Majesty's mouth".

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Avoid overuse of the phrase; opt for more specific language to pinpoint the exact nature of the wrongdoing for enhanced clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "great disgrace" for minor infractions or trivial mistakes. This phrase carries significant weight and should be reserved for truly egregious situations, not simple errors of judgment.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "great disgrace" functions as a noun phrase, specifically acting as a subjective complement or object of a verb. It describes a state or event characterized by profound dishonor and shame. Ludwig AI confirms the term is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Wiki

8%

Science

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "great disgrace" is a potent expression used to convey strong disapproval and highlight profoundly dishonorable situations. As Ludwig AI affirms, it's grammatically correct and suitable for various contexts, especially in news and media. While phrases like "profound shame" or "utter humiliation" can be used as alternatives, "great disgrace" carries a specific weight best reserved for truly serious ethical breaches or public scandals. When writing, ensure the gravity of the situation warrants such strong language to avoid overstatement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

public disgrace

Highlights the fact that the disgrace is known by many people.

profound shame

Emphasizes the depth of feeling associated with the disgrace.

utter humiliation

Focuses on the feeling of being humbled or degraded.

deep dishonor

Highlights the loss of respect or integrity.

complete degradation

Stresses the process of being lowered in status or character.

ignominious situation

Highlights the shame and dishonor that is linked to some situation.

major embarrassment

Downplays the severity, focusing on discomfort and awkwardness.

national scandal

Refers to the public nature and widespread impact of the disgrace.

grave offense

Emphasizes the wrong or transgression that caused the disgrace.

disreputable affair

Focuses on the morally questionable nature of an event.

FAQs

How can I use "great disgrace" in a sentence?

You can use "great disgrace" to describe a situation or action that is considered highly shameful or dishonorable. For example: "The politician's scandal was a "great disgrace" to the entire nation."

What phrases are similar in meaning to "great disgrace"?

Alternatives to "great disgrace" include "profound shame", "utter humiliation", or "deep dishonor", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use the term "great disgrace"?

Use "great disgrace" when referring to events or actions that involve a significant breach of ethics, a serious public scandal, or a profound loss of honor and respect.

What is the difference between "great disgrace" and "minor embarrassment"?

"Great disgrace" signifies a serious and shameful event, whereas "minor embarrassment" refers to a slight, often humorous, social awkwardness or mishap.