humiliation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "humiliation" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the feeling of being embarrassed or ashamed, often in a public context. Example: "He felt a deep sense of humiliation after tripping on stage during the presentation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

Opinion

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But entering any such "debt workout" would inevitably come with a hefty dose of political humiliation and stringent conditions attached.

The Guardian - Business

If Cook seems to be suffering a chronic case of competitive fatigue before England's one-day series, which starts next week, there was at least a flash of characteristically restrained fury in his response to his team's humiliation here.

The Guardian - Sport

They have also hit a pleasing rich vein of late-season form since being turned over in spectacular style at Old Trafford: five wins on the bounce, a sequence which has included impressive wins at Tottenham and Swansea, plus a six-goal humiliation of QPR.

The Guardian - Sport

Romola Sanyal, an Indian American, criticised Khan's elite status that affords him preferential treatment, exempting him from the harsher interrogation and humiliation that is routinely meted out on south Asians and Muslims.

The Guardian - Opinion

The relatively high 35% turnout and utter humiliation of the loony contingent suggests a significant number of people did indeed engage with the issues.

The Guardian - Opinion

Aleksander Rajcevic and, more critically, Luka Zahovic should even have extended that lead but the teenage striker skied over the bar from inside the six-yard box and the visitors were spared their humiliation.

The Guardian - Sport

For many, this was not just a sporting humiliation but a national disgrace.

The Guardian - Opinion

Let us rather call it injustice, but of a sly effective order, based entirely on cruel knowledge of the resistance of the weak, their capacity for pain, humiliation and misery.

The Guardian - Books

It has also promised to address low pay, by raising the minimum wage to at least £8 an hour before 2020, promoting a Living Wage and ending zero-hours contracts, so that working people do not suffer the humiliation of being referred to food banks to put meals on the table.

The Guardian

Young people at Sisters of Nazareth properties in Derry were known by numbers rather than their names, and many were allegedly subjected to humiliation, threats and physical abuse, said Christine Smith QC, senior counsel for the inquiry.

The Guardian

The Porto fans didn't seem to mind the humiliation that much.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "humiliation" to convey a strong sense of shame, embarrassment, or loss of dignity, especially in situations involving public exposure or significant degradation. It's suitable when describing both the act of humiliating someone and the state of being humiliated.

Common error

Avoid using "humiliation" in overly casual or trivial situations. While technically correct, it can sound melodramatic or exaggerated if the situation only warrants a milder term like "embarrassment" or "awkwardness".

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "humiliation" is as a noun. It typically functions as the subject or object of a sentence, denoting the state or act of being humiliated. As Ludwig AI indicates, the word describes the act of humbling someone or the state of being humbled.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Sport

22%

Opinion

13%

Less common in

Books

7%

Lifestyle

3%

TV & Radio

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "humiliation" is a noun that describes a state of intense shame, embarrassment, or loss of dignity. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. Its usage spans various contexts, from news and sports to personal opinions, indicating its widespread relevance. While "humiliation" is generally appropriate, it's important to avoid overusing it in trivial situations where milder terms like "embarrassment" would be more suitable. Related terms such as "mortification" and "disgrace" offer nuanced alternatives for expressing similar concepts. Given its frequent occurrence in reputable sources like The Guardian and The New York Times, using "humiliation" correctly can add depth and precision to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

mortification

Refers to a feeling of deep shame and embarrassment, similar to humiliation but often more intensely personal.

degradation

Emphasizes the process of being reduced in status or dignity, often involving humiliation.

abasement

Highlights the act of lowering someone's position or reputation, resulting in humiliation.

ignominy

Focuses on public shame and disgrace, a key element of humiliation.

disgrace

Indicates a loss of reputation or honor, often leading to feelings of humiliation.

shame

A basic emotion closely linked to humiliation, involving a painful feeling of dishonor.

embarrassment

A milder form of humiliation, often involving awkwardness or discomfort.

loss of face

Emphasizes the cultural aspect of humiliation, particularly in contexts where maintaining social standing is crucial.

public disgrace

Stresses the public nature of the humiliation, amplifying the sense of shame.

chagrin

A feeling of vexation, marked by disappointment or failure, that can lead to humiliation.

FAQs

How is "humiliation" typically used in a sentence?

"Humiliation" is generally used as a noun to describe a state or feeling of being deeply embarrassed, ashamed, or disgraced, for example, "The team suffered a bitter "humiliation" after their unexpected defeat."

What are some synonyms for "humiliation"?

Alternatives to "humiliation" include "embarrassment", "shame", "disgrace", "mortification", and "abasement". The best choice depends on the specific context and the intensity of the feeling you want to convey.

Is there a difference between "humiliation" and "embarrassment"?

"Humiliation" is a stronger and more severe form of "embarrassment". Embarrassment is a mild feeling of awkwardness or discomfort, while humiliation involves a deep sense of shame, disgrace, and loss of self-respect, often publicly.

Can "humiliation" be both an action and a state of being?

Yes, "humiliation" can refer to both the act of humiliating someone (e.g., "His words were intended as a "humiliation"") and the state of being humiliated (e.g., "She felt a deep sense of "humiliation"").