in embarrassment

USAGE SUMMARY

"in embarrassment" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe the feeling of being embarrassed or awkward in a given situation. For example, "Mary hung her head in embarrassment when she realized she had made a mistake in front of the whole class."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Some covered their faces in embarrassment.

The New York Times

She smiled again in embarrassment.

The New York Times

She doubled over in embarrassment.

The New Yorker

A chimpanzee covering its eyes in embarrassment?

The New York Times

He shrugged his shoulders in embarrassment.

The New Yorker

Matthew fled in embarrassment, only to return a little later.

The New Yorker

Afterward, she said, she fled to the restroom in embarrassment.

The New York Times - Sports

Outside finance, even red-blooded capitalists cringed in embarrassment.

The Economist

Hurgh-hurrgh!" he splutters, his hair visibly wilting in embarrassment.

The Guardian - Music

She seems to be biting her lip in embarrassment.

The New York Times - Style

Where did Mr. Allyn's interest in embarrassment come from anyway?

The New York Times - Style

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "in embarrassment" to clearly convey that an action or feeling stems directly from being embarrassed. For instance, "She blushed in embarrassment after tripping on stage."

Common error

Avoid substituting "in embarrassment" with prepositions that alter the meaning. For example, using "with embarrassment" might imply a subtle difference, suggesting the embarrassment is a companion to the action rather than its direct cause.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in embarrassment" functions primarily as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb to describe the manner in which an action is performed. It indicates that the action is carried out due to a feeling of embarrassment. Ludwig AI confirms this phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

74%

Wiki

12%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "in embarrassment" is a versatile adverbial phrase used to describe actions motivated by feelings of embarrassment. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in English writing. Its neutral register and frequent appearance in News & Media, as shown in Ludwig's examples, make it suitable for various contexts. When using the phrase, consider the subtle differences between it and similar phrases like "with embarrassment" or "out of embarrassment" to ensure the intended meaning is accurately conveyed. Be careful not to mix this phrase with similar phrases that may alter your intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

with embarrassment

Preposition changes, shifting the emphasis slightly but maintaining the core meaning.

out of embarrassment

Highlights the reason for the action, focusing on embarrassment as the cause.

mortified

A single word expressing extreme embarrassment.

ashamedly

An adverb describing an action done with shame, closely linked to embarrassment.

with a sense of shame

Rephrases the feeling as a broader sense of shame, encompassing embarrassment.

feeling humiliated

Focuses on the feeling of humiliation, a strong component of embarrassment.

abashedly

Describes behavior indicating a feeling of embarrassment or shame.

chagrined

A more formal term for feeling distressed or humiliated due to failure or disappointment.

crestfallen

Captures the dejected feeling often associated with embarrassment.

disconcerted

Emphasizes the feeling of being unsettled or confused, which can accompany embarrassment.

FAQs

How can I use "in embarrassment" in a sentence?

You can use "in embarrassment" to describe how someone reacts to a situation that makes them feel ashamed or awkward. For example: "He looked down "in embarrassment" when he realized he had forgotten her name."

What are some alternatives to saying "in embarrassment"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "with embarrassment", "out of embarrassment", or simply use adjectives like "ashamed" or "humiliated".

Is it correct to say "with embarrassment" instead of "in embarrassment"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct, but "in embarrassment" directly links the action to the feeling of embarrassment, while "with embarrassment" might suggest the embarrassment is accompanying the action.

What's the difference between feeling "embarrassed" and acting "in embarrassment"?

Feeling "embarrassed" is the emotion itself, while acting "in embarrassment" describes actions taken because of that feeling. For example, someone might feel embarrassed about a mistake and then, "in embarrassment", try to hide it.