how embarrassing

USAGE SUMMARY

"how embarrassing" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to express embarrassment or humiliation. For example: "I was so embarrassed when I tripped in front of everyone - how embarrassing!".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

51 human-written examples

For a start, no one had any idea who we were, and that's a key element of humiliation: Everyone can see me in this embarrassing situation, therefore I am embarrassed, how embarrassing.

Vice

Heather McHugh: How embarrassing.

The New York Times

How embarrassing is this?

The Guardian - Music

"How embarrassing, the worst interview.

The Guardian

How embarrassing would that be?

The Guardian - Tech

How embarrassing was the loss for the Americans?

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

5 human-written examples

Sarah Westcott I was always very conscious of how embarrassed my wife was around her periods.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

You would use his disability against him – and you wouldn't care how embarrassed, hurt or distressed he was.

The Guardian - Opinion

How embarrassed would you be going to the bar with your friends with real jobs?

Vice

How embarrassed would you be going to the pub with your mates with real jobs?

Vice

Seeing how embarrassed the theater attendant was after having me show her that the contents in my bag were crutches, my "quadsmuggling" possibilities are endless.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "how embarrassing" to express a sense of awkwardness, shame, or humiliation in response to a situation. It can be used rhetorically or as a genuine expression of feeling.

Common error

While "how embarrassing" is widely understood, it can sound informal in professional or academic writing. Opt for alternatives like "it is regrettable" or "this is unfortunate" to maintain a more appropriate tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "how embarrassing" primarily functions as an exclamatory expression used to convey feelings of embarrassment, shame, or awkwardness. It is a subjective assessment of a situation. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Wiki

10%

Vice

4%

Less common in

The New Yorker

4%

The Guardian - Opinion

4%

Huffington Post

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "how embarrassing" is a common and generally acceptable phrase used to express feelings of shame, awkwardness, or humiliation. As Ludwig AI states, it is correct and usable in written English. While versatile, it's important to consider the context and audience; more formal alternatives may be appropriate in professional or academic settings. The phrase is primarily found in news and media outlets and informal online content. When in doubt, consider similar expressions like "that's so embarrassing" or "how awkward" to refine your message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

that's so embarrassing

Replaces "how" with "that's so" to emphasize the degree of embarrassment.

that is embarrassing

More formal than "that's so embarrassing", expressing the same sentiment.

how mortifying

Emphasizes the extreme shame associated with the situation.

that's mortifying

Emphasizes the extreme shame associated with the situation, using "that's" instead of "how".

it's so humiliating

Shifts the focus to the humiliating aspect of the situation.

what a shame

Expresses regret or disappointment about the embarrassing situation.

how awkward

Focuses on the awkwardness of the situation.

it's cringeworthy

Highlights the discomfort and awkwardness of the situation.

this is so awkward

Similar to "how awkward", but uses a more direct statement.

it's just awful

A more general expression of dismay at the situation.

FAQs

How can I use "how embarrassing" in a sentence?

You can use "how embarrassing" to express your feelings about an awkward or shameful situation. For instance, "I forgot my lines on stage – "how embarrassing"!"

What can I say instead of "how embarrassing"?

You can use alternatives like "that's so embarrassing", "how awkward", or "what a shame" depending on the context.

Is "how embarrassing" appropriate for formal writing?

In most cases, "how embarrassing" is too informal for academic or professional writing. Consider using more formal alternatives like "it is regrettable" or "this is unfortunate".

What's the difference between "how embarrassing" and "that's embarrassing"?

"How embarrassing" is typically used as an exclamation, while "that's embarrassing" is a statement. Both express similar sentiments, but the former carries a stronger sense of immediate reaction.