it is embarrassing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it is embarrassing" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing a feeling of shame or discomfort about a situation or action. Example: "When I realized I had forgotten my best friend's birthday, I felt it is embarrassing to face her."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It is embarrassing in its environmentalist extremism and naive exaggeration.

Huffington Post

"It is embarrassing".

The New York Times

It is embarrassing to say the least.

The Guardian - Business

It is embarrassing to be so naive.

The Guardian - Opinion

"It is embarrassing to the county executive".

The New York Times

"It is embarrassing to have your security provided by others".

The Economist

"Frankly it is embarrassing for a national stadium.

Independent

I reckon it is embarrassing for Japanese rugby".

The Guardian - Sport

It is embarrassing to have evaluation forms featuring inappropriate comments.

The Guardian

"It is embarrassing for the nation," he said.

The New York Times

It is embarrassing to see it mentioned as if it were worthy of consideration.

University of California, Berkeley

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a situation that causes embarrassment to someone else, be sensitive and consider softening the language to avoid causing further discomfort.

Common error

While "it is embarrassing" is widely understood, it can sometimes sound too informal in professional or academic writing. Opt for more sophisticated synonyms to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is embarrassing" primarily functions as a declarative statement expressing a subjective feeling of shame, awkwardness, or discomfort. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is correct and usable, and the examples demonstrate its versatility in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Wiki

15%

Science

13%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it is embarrassing" is a common and grammatically correct way to express feelings of shame, awkwardness, or discomfort. As Ludwig AI states, this phrase is widely accepted. While it appears most frequently in news and media contexts, it's also found in scientific and informal writing. When using the phrase, consider the formality of the setting and choose more elevated synonyms if needed. Common errors include overuse in formal contexts, where phrases such as it's humiliating or it's shameful could be better choices.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it's humiliating

This alternative emphasizes the feeling of being degraded or lowered in dignity.

it's shameful

This alternative highlights the feeling of guilt or regret for a wrong action.

it's awkward

This alternative suggests a feeling of unease or discomfort in a social situation.

it's mortifying

This alternative conveys an extreme feeling of embarrassment, almost to the point of death.

it's cringeworthy

This alternative describes something that causes one to cringe due to its awkwardness or inappropriateness.

it's disconcerting

This alternative suggests a feeling of unease and disturbance.

it's discomfiting

This alternative indicates a feeling of being uneasy or uncomfortable.

it's regrettable

This alternative focuses on the feeling of sorrow or disappointment about something that has happened.

it's unseemly

This alternative suggests that something is not appropriate or fitting for the situation.

it's degrading

This alternative emphasizes the loss of self-respect or dignity.

FAQs

What can I say instead of "it is embarrassing"?

You can use alternatives like "it's humiliating", "it's shameful", or "it's awkward" depending on the context.

How to use "it is embarrassing" in a sentence?

You can use "it is embarrassing" to express a feeling of shame or discomfort about a situation or action. For example: "It is embarrassing to admit, but I forgot our anniversary."

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "it is embarrassing"?

The phrase "it is embarrassing" is appropriate in situations where you want to convey a sense of shame, awkwardness, or discomfort, whether about your own actions or a situation you're observing. However, consider the formality of the context.

What's the difference between "it is embarrassing" and "it is humiliating"?

While both phrases express negative feelings, "it is embarrassing" generally implies a mild sense of awkwardness or shame, whereas "it is humiliating" suggests a more profound loss of dignity or self-respect.