it was embarrassing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was embarrassing" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to express that something was humiliating and awkward. For example: I was so embarrassed when I tripped over my words during the presentation. It was embarrassing.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It was embarrassing for everyone involved.

The New Yorker

It was embarrassing.

The New York Times

It was embarrassing though.

The Guardian - Sport

It was embarrassing for everyone.

The Guardian - Film

It was embarrassing to watch.

The New Yorker

"It was embarrassing, the players became passive.

The Guardian - Sport

"And it was embarrassing really.

The Guardian - Tech

Even so, it was embarrassing, wasn't it?

The Guardian

"It was embarrassing, shambolic," he said.

The Guardian - Sport

"It was embarrassing, the way we played".

The New York Times - Sports

I told our guys it was embarrassing.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Avoid overusing the phrase in close proximity. Vary your language by using synonyms like "humiliating", "awkward", or "mortifying" for a more nuanced description.

Common error

While "it was embarrassing" is a simple and direct phrase, using it repeatedly without providing specific details about why something was embarrassing can make your writing sound monotonous and vague. Always provide context to help the reader understand the situation's impact. Instead of repeatedly saying "It was embarrassing", vary your descriptions. Use more descriptive words that capture the specific nuance of the discomfort experienced.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was embarrassing" primarily functions as a subjective commentary, evaluating an event or situation as causing feelings of awkwardness, shame, or humiliation. This aligns with Ludwig's assessment that it expresses something was humiliating and awkward. The provided examples on Ludwig show this phrase used in varied contexts to convey this sentiment.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Formal & Business

15%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Science

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it was embarrassing" is a commonly used phrase to express feelings of awkwardness, shame, or humiliation resulting from a particular situation. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and appropriateness in written English. The phrase appears most frequently in news and media contexts, though is applicable in a broad array of source categories. For alternative phrasing, consider options like "it was humiliating" or "it felt shameful" to add nuance. To effectively use the phrase, provide clear context and avoid overuse to maintain the impact of your writing. Ensure that the phrase accurately reflects the intended emotional response to the described event.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was a source of embarrassment

This alternative emphasizes the origin or cause of the feeling of embarrassment.

it was mortifying

This intensifies the embarrassment, suggesting a feeling of extreme shame and humiliation.

it was quite humiliating

This alternative intensifies the feeling of embarrassment, focusing on the aspect of being humbled or degraded.

it felt shameful

This phrase shifts the focus to the feeling of shame associated with the event.

it was cringeworthy

A more informal way to describe something that causes discomfort due to embarrassment.

it was awkward

This alternative downplays the intensity, focusing on the uncomfortable nature of the situation.

it was regrettable

This alternative focuses on the feeling of wishing the event hadn't happened, implying embarrassment as a consequence.

it was a faux pas

This refers to a specific social blunder that causes embarrassment.

it was a blunder

Highlights the mistake that led to the embarrassing situation.

it was an unfortunate incident

Downplays the emotional impact, focusing on the event as simply unlucky or undesirable.

FAQs

How can I use "it was embarrassing" in a sentence?

You can use "it was embarrassing" to describe a situation that caused you or someone else to feel ashamed, awkward, or humiliated. For instance, "I tripped on stage during the presentation; "it was embarrassing"."

What are some alternatives to saying "it was embarrassing"?

Depending on the specific nuance you want to convey, you could use alternatives like "it was humiliating", "it was awkward", "it was mortifying", or "it felt shameful".

Is it better to say "I was embarrassed" or "it was embarrassing"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct, but they have slightly different meanings. "I was embarrassed" indicates that you personally felt the embarrassment, while "it was embarrassing" describes a situation that was inherently embarrassing, regardless of who experienced it.

Can "it was embarrassing" be used in formal writing?

While "it was embarrassing" is widely understood, it can sometimes come across as informal. In formal writing, consider using more precise and descriptive language to convey the specific nature of the situation. For example, instead of simply saying ""it was embarrassing"", you could say "the situation caused considerable discomfiture".