out of embarrassment

USAGE SUMMARY

'out of embarrassment' is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to refer to a feeling of awkwardness or shame in a person that makes them act in a certain way. For example: She laughed nervously out of embarrassment as everyone looked at her in surprise.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

She ended up clutching her cape tightly around her out of embarrassment.

The New York Times

Because she knew that if she translated what the teacher really said the kid would get a beating and the mother would hate her forever out of embarrassment.

The New Yorker

There are necessary secrets; it is always the case, in a functioning democracy, that the government also tries to declare unnecessary ones, out of embarrassment or expediency, and that the press tries to keep it from doing so.

The New Yorker

Never fake being someone else you're not because in the end you will burn like a fire out of embarrassment and Ke$ha is almost always never embarrassed!

WikiHow

"Out of embarrassment".

The New Yorker

Overall, the response seems muted, maybe out of embarrassment.

The New York Times

Out of embarrassment, a lot of fraud is not reported.

The New York Times

I stepped away from that conversation out of embarrassment and respect.

Independent

"Hers out of paranoia and mine out of embarrassment and anger towards who she had become".

The New Yorker

And, out of embarrassment, some women fail to tell their doctors what is bothering them.

The New York Times - Health

I think a lot of it probably arose out of embarrassment.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "out of embarrassment" to clearly convey that a person's actions are motivated by a feeling of shame, awkwardness, or self-consciousness. This phrase provides a direct and easily understood explanation for behavior.

Common error

Avoid using "out of embarrassment" when the intended meaning is "out of spite". "Out of embarrassment" indicates actions driven by shame, whereas "out of spite" suggests actions motivated by malice or a desire to harm. Ensure the context aligns with the intended emotion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "out of embarrassment" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to explain the reason or motivation behind an action. It indicates that someone performed an action because they felt awkward, ashamed, or self-conscious. Ludwig AI provides several examples illustrating this usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Wiki

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Reference

3%

Social Media

2%

Science

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "out of embarrassment" is a common and grammatically correct way to express that an action is motivated by feelings of shame or awkwardness. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and provides numerous real-world examples from sources like The New York Times, The Guardian, and The New Yorker. While its register is generally neutral, it's essential to differentiate it from similar phrases like "out of spite". To use this phrase effectively, ensure the context accurately reflects the feeling of shame or awkwardness driving the action. Alternatives include "due to shame" or "because of awkwardness", offering slight variations in nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

due to shame

Replaces the more specific 'embarrassment' with the broader 'shame'.

driven by a sense of shame

Highlights the internal feeling of shame as the driving force.

because of awkwardness

Substitutes 'embarrassment' with the related feeling of 'awkwardness'.

compelled by awkwardness

Focuses on the compelling nature of the awkward feeling.

from self-consciousness

Highlights the awareness of oneself as the driver of the action.

motivated by chagrin

Uses a more formal and less common synonym for embarrassment: chagrin.

out of self-effacement

Indicates action taken to minimize one's own prominence, motivated by embarrassment.

prompted by discomfiture

Employs a sophisticated term, 'discomfiture', referring to a feeling of unease or embarrassment.

owing to humiliation

Replaces embarrassment with 'humiliation', suggesting a stronger feeling of shame.

through mortification

Mortification is a stronger, more intense form of embarrassment.

FAQs

How can I use "out of embarrassment" in a sentence?

You can use "out of embarrassment" to describe why someone did something because they felt ashamed or awkward. For example, "She declined the award "out of embarrassment" because she felt she didn't deserve it."

What phrases are similar to "out of embarrassment"?

Similar phrases include "due to shame", "because of awkwardness", and "from self-consciousness". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always negative to do something "out of embarrassment"?

Not necessarily. While embarrassment is often a negative feeling, acting "out of embarrassment" can sometimes lead to positive outcomes, such as avoiding conflict or showing humility. The context determines whether the action is ultimately beneficial or detrimental.

What's the difference between doing something "out of embarrassment" and doing it "out of politeness"?

Doing something "out of embarrassment" means you're motivated by a feeling of shame or awkwardness, while doing it "out of politeness" means you're motivated by a desire to be courteous and avoid offending someone. The underlying motivation is different, even if the action appears similar.