kind of embarrassing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "kind of embarrassing" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a feeling of mild embarrassment about a situation or action. Example: "I forgot my best friend's birthday, and it was kind of embarrassing when she confronted me about it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

45 human-written examples

Kind of embarrassing.

The New Yorker

Really, that's kind of embarrassing.

The New Yorker

It was kind of embarrassing.

The New York Times

"Definitely I find it kind of embarrassing.

The New York Times - Sports

This realization was shocking, and, frankly, kind of embarrassing.

University of California, Berkeley

I was seduced by the architecture of Dante, and after a while, it's kind of embarrassing.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

15 human-written examples

However, as a naturally awkward person, I constantly find myself in all kinds of embarrassing situations with them.

The Guardian - Opinion

If the party wanted to end these kinds of embarrassing moments, it could return to the days when it nominated mainstream candidates.

The New York Times

We post all kinds of embarrassing information about ourselves, but periodically erupt in a rage when we feel that our online privacy has been compromised.

The New York Times - Tech

Some couldn't, though most of the girls had all kinds of embarrassing stories, many of which involved slip-ups around boys they liked.

The New York Times - Arts

Before I can stop myself – and as I discover when transcribing the tape and find my so-called questions practically longer than her answers – I find myself volunteering all kinds of embarrassing snippets about my life.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider your audience; this phrase is suitable for informal and neutral contexts but might be too casual for formal academic or professional writing.

Common error

Avoid using "kind of embarrassing" in formal essays or business reports. Opt for more professional language like "somewhat awkward" or "slightly inappropriate" to maintain a serious and respectful tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "kind of embarrassing" functions as an adjective phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun to describe a quality or characteristic. It is commonly used to express a subjective feeling of mild discomfort or shame, as Ludwig AI confirms.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Academia

15%

Science

15%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "kind of embarrassing" is a common adjective phrase used to describe situations causing mild discomfort or shame. It's grammatically correct and generally acceptable in neutral to informal contexts, though it may be too casual for formal writing, as Ludwig AI confirms. Alternatives like "somewhat awkward" or "slightly uncomfortable" can be considered for more formal settings. The phrase appears frequently in news and media sources, with less common usage in academic or scientific writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sort of awkward

Replaces "kind of" with "sort of", maintaining a similar level of informality and meaning.

a tad awkward

Uses "a tad" instead of "kind of" to express a small degree of awkwardness.

somewhat awkward

Replaces "embarrassing" with "awkward" and "kind of" with "somewhat", indicating a slightly more subtle feeling of unease.

slightly uncomfortable

Focuses on the feeling of unease and discomfort rather than direct embarrassment.

a bit shameful

Substitutes "embarrassing" with "shameful" suggesting a stronger sense of regret or guilt.

reasonably embarrassing

Replaces "kind of" with "reasonably", suggesting a moderate level of embarrassment.

slightly humiliating

Emphasizes the aspect of feeling humbled or degraded, carrying a stronger negative connotation.

quite awkward

Uses "quite" to intensify the feeling of awkwardness, implying a more noticeable level of discomfort.

mildly mortifying

Highlights the feeling of intense shame or embarrassment, though still in a mild form.

a little cringe-worthy

Uses a more informal term, "cringe-worthy", to describe something that causes discomfort or disgust.

FAQs

How can I use "kind of embarrassing" in a sentence?

You can use "kind of embarrassing" to describe a situation or feeling that causes mild discomfort or shame. For example, "It was "kind of embarrassing" when I tripped in front of everyone."

What are some alternatives to "kind of embarrassing"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "somewhat awkward", "a bit shameful", or "slightly uncomfortable".

When is it inappropriate to use "kind of embarrassing"?

It's generally best to avoid using "kind of embarrassing" in very formal or serious contexts. In those situations, more professional or direct language is preferred.

What's the difference between "kind of embarrassing" and "very embarrassing"?

"Kind of embarrassing" suggests a mild level of discomfort or shame, while "very embarrassing" indicates a much stronger feeling of mortification or humiliation. The choice depends on the intensity of the situation.