mark of shame

USAGE SUMMARY

"mark of shame" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used to describe something that brings dishonor or disgrace to a person. Here is an example sentence using "mark of shame": The politician's scandalous behavior left a permanent mark of shame on his reputation.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

47 human-written examples

The current interest in sensory processing echoes the 1970s theory that learning problems were caused by impaired eye-tracking abilities, said Stephen P. Hinshaw, professor and chairman of the psychology department at the University of California, Berkeley, and co-author of a cultural history of mental health stigma, "Mark of Shame".

The New York Times - Health

Don't consider it a mark of shame.

Harvard Business Review

Bankruptcy used to be a mark of shame.

Independent

Put a mark of shame on their profiles.

The Guardian - Opinion

But his point of pride is the right's mark of shame.

The New York Times

The mark of shame was wiped off the old philosopher's brow, his exile ended.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

13 human-written examples

Acne and wrinkles are presented as scourges to be punished, visible marks of shame upon the face.

The New Yorker

After Stephen reads Krafft-Ebing in her father's library, she opens the Bible at random, seeking a sign, and reads Genesis 4 15, "And the Lord set a mark upon Cain ... ...... Hall uses the mark of Cain, a sign of shame and exile, throughout the novel as a metaphor for the situation of inverts.

Wikipedia

The immediate family of the victims had only a muted public reaction, in part because the sexual nature of the crime is viewed as a mark of deep shame.

The New York Times

Trump's campaign manager Brad Parscale is now claiming that Trump "doesn't even know" Conway, as if not having the great privilege of personally knowing Trump is a mark of terrible shame, and that Trump turned down Conway for a job he wanted (hence "loser").

The Washington Post

200 years later, marks of that shame are no mere scars on our body politic.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "mark of shame" to describe actions or events that carry significant social stigma or dishonor, especially when discussing historical or cultural contexts. It is an appropriate choice when the intensity of the shame is important to convey.

Common error

Avoid using "mark of shame" in everyday situations where the level of disgrace is minor or exaggerated. Opt for milder expressions like "embarrassment" or "disappointment" for trivial matters.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "mark of shame" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as a subject complement or object. As confirmed by Ludwig, it describes something that signifies dishonor or disgrace. It often attributes a quality or characteristic to a specific event or action.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Academia

25%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

8%

Wiki

6%

Reference

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "mark of shame" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to denote something that brings dishonor or disgrace. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in written English. It frequently appears in news media and academic contexts, reflecting its suitability for discussing serious ethical or social issues. While its connotations can be strong, overuse in casual contexts should be avoided. Consider alternatives like ""badge of dishonor"" or ""stigma"" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

badge of dishonor

Replaces "mark" with "badge" and "shame" with "dishonor", altering the imagery but maintaining the core concept of disgrace.

stigma

Uses a single word to represent the concept, implying a negative social label or attribute.

stain on one's reputation

Shifts the focus to the impact on reputation, emphasizing the lasting damage caused by a shameful act.

blot on one's copybook

Employs an idiomatic expression suggesting a blemish on an otherwise good record.

source of humiliation

Highlights the feeling of shame and embarrassment associated with the situation.

cause for disgrace

Replaces "mark of shame" with a more direct statement of the reason for disgrace.

indictment

Uses a formal term implying a severe accusation or condemnation.

affront to decency

Suggests an offense against moral standards and propriety.

a black mark

Uses a more generic term about reputational damage in professional/business context.

an embarassment

Suggests a situation that causes discomfort or shame.

FAQs

How can I use "mark of shame" in a sentence?

You can use "mark of shame" to describe something that brings dishonor or disgrace, for example: "The scandal left a permanent "mark of shame" on the company's reputation."

What are some alternatives to "mark of shame"?

Some alternatives include "badge of dishonor", "stigma", or "stain on one's reputation". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "mark of shame" in formal writing?

Yes, "mark of shame" is suitable for formal writing, especially when discussing historical events, ethical failures, or serious social issues. However, consider the tone and audience to ensure it fits the overall message.

What is the difference between "mark of shame" and "mark of disgrace"?

While similar, "mark of shame" often implies a deeper, more personal sense of dishonor and guilt. "mark of disgrace" can be more general, referring to a loss of respect or status within a community or organization.