mortifying

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "mortifying" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that causes great embarrassment or shame. Example: "I found it mortifying when I tripped and fell in front of my entire class."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It was mortifying.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

For example, in the "Nudge" scheme, signs on men's and women's restrooms would count as paternalistic "choice architecture" simply because they structure choices in a way that helps us do what's best by our own lights—in this case, not mortifying ourselves barging into the wrong restroom.

The Economist

There was little doubt that had the Supreme Court overturned his reform, it would have been mortifying.

The Economist

But to repeat nonsense words with strange gurgling and burbling sounds while the cute new classmate watches from the next desk can be mortifying.

The Economist

She says:For those of us who lived through the long years of the civil rights and women's rights movements, the speed with which more and more people have come to embrace the dignity and equality of LGBT Americans has been breathtaking, and inspiringThe former senator and first lady could have added one more adjective to that last list: mortifying.

The Economist

Labour Day marked the beginning of the final sprint.The close contest is mortifying for Democrats, though not a shock.

The Economist

The hyperactive new president pulled on his jogging shorts, threw out the dusty old presidential ways, recruited a broad-based multi-ethnic cabinet and set about dazzling the French with his pragmatic determination to talk straight and get things done.In Act Two of "The Hyperpresident", he was mortifying.

The Economist

In either case, however, monastics improve their chances of redemption because, in mortifying their own bodies and minds for the benefit of others, they also help their own advancement along the spiritual path.

Encyclopedia Britannica

He got a place at Peterhouse, Cambridge, to study law though spent most of his time in Footlights, where he performed mortifying sketches about eating cereal with Baron Cohen, David Mitchell, Robert Webb and Olivia Colman.

Independent

The first Sony email leak was mortifying enough, but hackers have embarrassed bosses again with their latest move.

Independent

All I remember is being left with loads of other children at the kids' club and being made to stand up and do a performance in front of all the adults one night; it was mortifying.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "mortifying", consider the intensity of the embarrassment you want to convey. It suggests a deep level of shame or humiliation, so ensure it fits the context appropriately.

Common error

Avoid using "mortifying" to describe mildly embarrassing situations. It's a strong word, and using it for trivial incidents can diminish its impact and make your writing sound hyperbolic.

Linguistic Context

"Mortifying" primarily functions as an adjective, describing something that causes intense embarrassment or shame. Ludwig shows its use in contexts ranging from personal experiences to political situations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Encyclopedias

12%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Science

3%

Social Media

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "mortifying" is a versatile adjective used to describe something that causes intense embarrassment or shame. Ludwig AI indicates that the term is grammatically correct and frequently appears in various contexts, particularly in news and media. While synonyms like "humiliating" or "embarrassing" exist, "mortifying" conveys a stronger sense of disgrace. When employing the word, consider the intensity of the embarrassment you intend to express and avoid overusing it in trivial situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

humiliating

Similar meaning, emphasizes the lowering of someone's dignity or self-respect.

embarrassing

A broader term indicating a feeling of self-consciousness, awkwardness, or shame.

chagrining

Indicates distress or embarrassment at having failed or been humiliated.

disconcerting

Causes one to feel unsettled or confused, potentially leading to embarrassment.

shameful

Emphasizes the feeling of guilt or disgrace associated with an action or situation.

awkward

Describes a situation that is uncomfortable or lacking grace, possibly leading to embarrassment.

discomfiting

Causes a feeling of unease or discomfort.

ignominious

Describes something deserving or causing public disgrace or shame.

abashing

Causes someone to feel embarrassed or ashamed.

deflating

Causes someone to lose confidence or feel dispirited.

FAQs

How can I use "mortifying" in a sentence?

You can use "mortifying" to describe experiences or situations that cause extreme embarrassment. For example, "It was a mortifying moment when I forgot my lines on stage."

What are some synonyms for "mortifying"?

Alternatives to "mortifying" include "humiliating", "embarrassing", or "shameful" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "mortifying" in formal writing?

Yes, "mortifying" is appropriate for formal writing when describing situations that cause significant embarrassment or shame. However, consider your audience and the overall tone of your piece.

What's the difference between "mortifying" and "embarrassing"?

"Mortifying" suggests a more intense and profound level of embarrassment than simply "embarrassing". A situation that is "mortifying" typically involves a greater loss of dignity or self-respect.