left in disgrace

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "left in disgrace" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who has been publicly shamed or dishonored, often after a scandal or failure. Example: "After the scandal broke, the politician was left in disgrace, unable to continue his campaign."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

Senior executives have left in disgrace.

The Economist

The mullahs and their backers are left in disgrace.

The New York Times

But one – you know who – very nearly left in disgrace.

The Guardian - Sport

Since 2000, 28 have left in disgrace and four have been indicted.

The Economist

The verdict ends Blatter's hopes of becoming honorary president of football's governing body which he left in disgrace.

The Guardian - Sport

Former President Carlos Salinas de Gortari of Mexico, who left in disgrace, is back, with a memoir in which he accuses his successor of causing an economic crisis.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

Colin Powell is not leaving in disgrace, but he is leaving with his reputation greatly diminished.

The New York Times

Whatever happens to Mr. Olmert — he says he will be exonerated — he is leaving in disgrace.

The New York Times

It was the second time in a little more than two years that he had been forced to leave in disgrace.

The New York Times

"It was members of your own party that voted against you," Romney said, noting that Gingrich left the House "in disgrace" when he resigned his seat in late 1998.

Huffington Post

Mr. Berlusconi left office in disgrace, but denies any wrongdoing.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "left in disgrace" when you want to emphasize the public shame or dishonor associated with someone's departure from a position or situation. Ensure the context clearly indicates the reason for the disgrace.

Common error

While acceptable, "left in disgrace" can sometimes sound sensational. In formal or academic writing, consider using more neutral alternatives like "resigned due to scandal" or "removed from office following allegations" for a more objective tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "left in disgrace" functions as a descriptive phrase, typically used as a predicate adjective. It modifies a noun or pronoun, indicating the manner in which someone departed from a particular position or situation. Ludwig examples confirm this usage, showing the phrase applied to individuals in positions of power or public figures.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Sport

8%

Encyclopedias

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Science

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "left in disgrace" is a commonly used and grammatically correct expression that describes a departure marked by public shame or dishonor. According to Ludwig, this phrase is primarily used in neutral contexts, notably in news and media, particularly when reporting on political scandals or sports controversies. While it effectively conveys the negative circumstances surrounding someone's exit, it may be beneficial to consider more formal alternatives in certain academic or professional settings. The presence of numerous examples in authoritative sources confirms its widespread acceptance and appropriate usage in English writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

departed in shame

Focuses more on the feeling of shame associated with the departure, rather than the public dishonor.

resigned in disgrace

Specifically implies a voluntary departure (resignation) prompted by the disgrace.

forced to resign

Highlights the involuntary aspect of leaving, emphasizing external pressure.

ousted from power

Implies being removed from a position of power due to the disgrace.

expelled in disgrace

Suggests a more formal and often abrupt removal from a group or organization.

fell from grace

Emphasizes the loss of status or favor that accompanied the departure.

disgraced exit

This is a noun phrase focusing on the type of exit.

dishonorable discharge

Often used in military contexts, signifying a shameful end to service.

shamed into leaving

Highlights the pressure from others that prompted the departure.

humiliated departure

This phrase highlights the feeling of humiliation associated with the departure.

FAQs

What does it mean to say someone "left in disgrace"?

Saying someone "left in disgrace" means they departed from a position or situation with public shame or dishonor, often due to scandal or failure.

What are some alternatives to saying someone "left in disgrace"?

Alternatives include "departed in shame", "resigned in disgrace", or "ousted from power", depending on the specific context.

Is "left in disgrace" formal or informal language?

While widely used in news and media, "left in disgrace" leans towards a neutral to slightly informal tone. More formal alternatives might be preferred in academic or professional settings.

How can I use the phrase "left in disgrace" in a sentence?

You can use it to describe someone's departure: "The CEO "left in disgrace" after the accounting scandal was revealed."