great shame

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "great shame" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a strong feeling of regret or disappointment about a situation or event. Example: "It is a great shame that the concert was canceled due to the weather."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

That's a great shame.

The Economist

This is a great shame.

The Economist

That is a great shame.

The Economist

A great shame indeed.

The Guardian

It's a great shame.

The Guardian - Sport

"George Entwistle's departure is a great shame.

Independent

The lost credibility is a great shame.

The New York Times

And liver, which is a great shame.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

I think that is a great shame.

The Guardian - Opinion

That is a great, great shame.

The Guardian

It was a great shame we didn't hold out.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "great shame" to express a strong feeling of disappointment or regret when something unfortunate has occurred or when an opportunity has been missed. It conveys a sense of seriousness and importance.

Common error

While "great shame" is widely applicable, avoid using it in trivial situations. Reserving it for more significant disappointments will maintain its impact. Consider using less emphatic alternatives like "pity" or "unfortunate" for minor issues.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "great shame" functions as a noun phrase that expresses a strong feeling of regret, disappointment, or disapproval. Ludwig examples show that the phrase is generally used to comment on unfortunate situations or missed opportunities.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "great shame" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to convey disappointment or regret. According to Ludwig, it's suitable for various contexts, predominantly in News & Media and Science, while maintaining a neutral tone. While broadly applicable, it's best reserved for significant disappointments to retain its impact. Alternatives include "huge shame" and "great pity", offering nuances in expressing regret. Overall, "great shame" remains a versatile phrase for articulating a sense of loss or missed opportunity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

huge shame

Implies a considerable degree of disappointment, similar to "great shame".

great pity

Suggests a feeling of sorrow or regret, focusing more on the unfortunate aspect of a situation.

great disgrace

Indicates a loss of reputation or respect, emphasizing the dishonorable nature of something.

great humiliation

Highlights the feeling of being embarrassed or ashamed, often due to a public failure.

deep regret

Emphasizes the profound feeling of sorrow or remorse over something that has happened.

grave misfortune

Indicates a serious and unfortunate event, often with long-lasting consequences.

tragic loss

Focuses on the sadness and grief associated with losing something valuable or important.

deplorable situation

Highlights the negative and regrettable aspects of a particular set of circumstances.

grievous error

Emphasizes the severity and regrettable nature of a mistake or wrongdoing.

unfortunate situation

Mildest degree of disappointment, often related to bad luck.

FAQs

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

You can use "great shame" to express disappointment or regret, such as, "It is a "great shame" that the event was cancelled" or "It's a "great shame" we didn't win".

What are some alternatives to "great shame"?

Alternatives include "huge shame", "great pity", or expressing regret more directly with phrases like "it is regrettable".

When is it appropriate to use "great shame"?

It's appropriate to use "great shame" when conveying a strong sense of disappointment or regret over something significant. Avoid using it for minor inconveniences.

Is "great shame" formal or informal?

"Great shame" is generally considered neutral in formality and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although more formal options like "deep regret" might be preferred in highly formal situations.