left in shame

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "left in shame" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where someone feels embarrassed or humiliated after an event or action. Example: "After the argument, he walked away, left in shame, unable to face his friends."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Khosrojerdi left in shame.

The New Yorker

Yet apart from the head of Northern Rock, which suffered a run on deposits last year and had to be nationalised, no boss of a major British bank has left in shame.

The Economist

On that occasion your condition and demeanour, the result of your drinking, so shocked some of the audience nearest the platform that they left in shame and disgust... Tony Abbott's 2015 antics included shirtless post-coup partying, and chugging schooners with students in Sydney pubs.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Is there any wonder that I believe Sir Bernard Hogan-Howe should leave in shame and should have left many months ago?

The Guardian

Just as the door closed, I realized, "OH SHIT, the BAG!" Aside from burning the place down or attempting to break an entrance (none of which were an option, as I had neither matches nor a crowbar) the only thing left to do was to leave in shame, with the image of his expression when finding the "Thank you, I had a great time" note right next to the bag of shit, etched into my mind.

Vice

Just as the door closed, I realised, "OH SHIT, the BAG!" Aside from burning the place down or attempting to break an entrance (none of which were an option, as I had neither matches nor a crowbar) the only thing left to do was to leave in shame, with the image of his expression when finding the "Thank you, I had a great time" note right next to the bag of shit, etched into my mind.

Vice

Suarez subsequently left Brazil in shame after biting Italy's Giorgio Chiellini before completing a £75m move from Liverpool to La Liga with Barcelona.

BBC

Sadly, the big man left town in shame after being sent off in the 62nd minute of the quarter-final against Portugal in Gelsenkirchen, again lost on penalties, for stamping on Ricardo Carvalho.

BBC

It's never been done, but has been openly considered twice: by Democrats when Nixon left office in shame, and by Republicans in the late 90's as a cudgel against Clinton.

Huffington Post

One hundred years from now, when these laws, and this conversation, are no longer needed in India, people will look back and ask whether we brought change when it was still inconvenient and required courage, or when it was merely a matter of joining the rest of the world and not getting left behind in shame.

Huffington Post

Fred Wertheimer, the president of Democracy 21, a public policy group that advocates campaign finance reform, said, "This is crazy greed, and it would be shameful if there was any shame left in this city".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "left in shame" to describe situations where someone's actions have led to public embarrassment or a loss of reputation, causing them to depart a situation or position. It is best used when the shame is a direct consequence of their own doing.

Common error

Avoid using "left in shame" when the departure is due to external factors unrelated to the person's direct actions or moral failings. The phrase implies a personal culpability that may not always be present.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "left in shame" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb to describe the manner of leaving. As noted by Ludwig AI, it indicates the emotional state and circumstances under which someone departed.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "left in shame" is a grammatically correct and usable expression to describe a departure motivated by feelings of embarrassment or disgrace. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage, and it appears primarily in the context of news and media. While uncommon, the phrase effectively conveys a specific emotional and circumstantial nuance. To avoid misuse, ensure the shame is directly attributable to the individual's actions or failings. Alternatives such as "departed with disgrace" or "retreated in humiliation" offer similar meanings with slight variations in emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

departed with disgrace

Replaces 'left' with 'departed' and uses 'with disgrace' instead of 'in shame' to convey a similar meaning.

exited in disgrace

Uses 'exited' as a synonym for 'left', maintaining the sense of a shameful departure.

walked away in disgrace

Replaces 'left' with 'walked away', emphasizing the act of physically leaving due to disgrace.

retreated in disgrace

Substitutes 'left' with 'retreated', implying a withdrawal from a position due to shame.

withdrew in humiliation

Replaces 'shame' with 'humiliation', emphasizing the feeling of deep embarrassment.

retreated with dishonor

Replaces 'left' with 'retreated' and uses 'with dishonor' instead of 'in shame'.

slunk away in shame

Replaces 'left' with 'slunk away', suggesting a stealthy and ashamed departure.

fled in disgrace

Uses 'fled' to imply a hurried and dishonorable departure.

resigned in ignominy

Replaces 'shame' with 'ignominy', suggesting a public disgrace.

was forced to resign in disgrace

Emphasizes the involuntary nature of leaving and the disgrace associated with it.

FAQs

How can I use "left in shame" in a sentence?

You can use "left in shame" to describe someone who departed a situation feeling embarrassed or disgraced due to their actions. For example: "After the scandal broke, the CEO "left in shame"."

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

Alternatives include "departed with disgrace", "retreated in disgrace", or "resigned in ignominy", depending on the specific context and nuance you wish to convey.

Is it more appropriate to say "left in shame" or "left in disgrace"?

Both "left in shame" and "left in disgrace" are appropriate, but they emphasize different aspects. "Left in shame" focuses on the internal feeling of embarrassment, while "left in disgrace" emphasizes the public loss of reputation. The best choice depends on which aspect you want to highlight.

What's the difference between "left in shame" and "was forced to resign in disgrace"?

"Left in shame" implies a voluntary departure motivated by embarrassment, while "was forced to resign in disgrace" suggests an involuntary departure due to public disapproval. The latter implies external pressure.