overcome shame

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "overcome shame" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it in contexts where someone is addressing feelings of shame and working to move past them. Example: "She sought therapy to help her overcome shame about her past." Alternative expressions include "conquer shame" and "defeat shame."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

We deeply value the good opinion of others – at the limit it is all that keeps us safe from attack – and even if a writer's desire to overcome shame is sincere, it would be surprising, perhaps even pathological, were he to be able to overcome it fully and without pain.

The Guardian - Books

The time has come to overcome shame, stigma and ignorance and bring this crisis to an expeditious and sure end.

Huffington Post

Pevsner had been using Tumblr for five years — as an art gallery, a way to connect with fans, and overcome shame about his body.

Vice

It is my mission in life to help you overcome shame and learn to love, accept and respect your body as it is right now, so I'm here to help you combat holiday body shaming before it starts.

Huffington Post

Alcohol is often consumed by both sex workers and their clients for a variety of reasons including to heighten enjoyment, overcome shame, and gather courage to engage in commercial sex [ 21, 26- 28].

BMC International Health and Human Rights

In order to reground the self and regain control of their lives, the women had to recognize the problem, overcome shame and embarrassment, identify an understanding healthcare provider, and consider the consequences of the depression and its management.

BMC Women's Health

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

Don Lemon, who remembered our first visit and never mentioned the circumstances, who knew this interview meant growth for me, a sort of redemption, perhaps, and who even knew a little about overcoming shame himself, reached out in a gesture of support.

Huffington Post

The lure of tourism money has helped overcome the shame.

The New York Times

When he came to, he was overcome with shame.

The New Yorker

"What is happening to these men?" I was momentarily overcome with shame.

The New York Times - Books

Two years later, overcome by shame, he overdosed on Veronal, a popular and easily obtained opiate.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about personal struggles, using "overcome shame" can be empowering. Be specific about the actions taken to manage these feelings.

Common error

Avoid pairing "overcome shame" with overly dramatic or generic narratives. Instead, focus on authentic details and genuine emotional experiences to make your writing more impactful.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "overcome shame" functions as a verb phrase, typically used to describe the action of dealing with and moving past feelings of shame. As shown in Ludwig, it is a proactive and empowering description.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Science

27%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "overcome shame" is a grammatically sound and empowering phrase used to describe the process of dealing with and moving past feelings of shame. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase's validity and suggests its applicability across various contexts, especially in News & Media and Science. While not exceedingly common, its usage is consistent and carries a neutral to formal register. Related phrases like "transcend shame" and "conquer shame" offer nuanced alternatives for writers seeking precision in their expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

transcend shame

Focuses on rising above shame, suggesting a spiritual or personal growth aspect.

conquer shame

Emphasizes a victory over shame, implying a direct confrontation and triumph.

vanquish shame

Suggests a complete and decisive defeat of shame.

rise above shame

Focuses on elevating oneself beyond the negative influence of shame.

shake off shame

Suggests a quick and active rejection of shameful feelings.

break free from shame

Highlights the liberation and escape from the constraints of shame.

move past shame

Focuses on the process of advancing beyond feelings of shame.

heal from shame

Highlights the recovery and emotional repair needed after experiencing shame.

deal with shame

Suggests managing and coping with the challenges presented by feelings of shame.

cope with shame

Emphasizes the ability to manage the effects and impact of shame.

FAQs

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

You can use "overcome shame" in sentences like, "She sought therapy to "overcome shame" about her past", or "It took courage to "overcome shame" and speak out about the injustice".

What are some alternatives to "overcome shame"?

Some alternatives to "overcome shame" include "transcend shame", "conquer shame", or "rise above shame".

Which is correct, "overcome shame" or "overcoming shame"?

"Overcome shame" is an infinitive phrase often used as a verb, while "overcoming shame" is a gerund phrase that can function as a noun. Both are grammatically correct but used in different contexts.

What does it mean to "heal from shame"?

Healing from shame involves addressing the emotional wounds caused by feelings of shame and developing strategies for self-compassion and resilience.