particularly embarrassing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "particularly embarrassing" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or event that is especially shameful or awkward. Example: "For many, forgetting a close friend's birthday can be particularly embarrassing."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Particularly embarrassing considering I'm 35".

The Guardian - Books

That makes a ruling on January 31st by the country's anti-trust regulator particularly embarrassing.

The Economist

The major overuse of home-health-care services proved particularly embarrassing.

The New Yorker

The first major crash of the year has proven particularly embarrassing for the agency.

The New York Times

The talks are particularly embarrassing for one of Lehman Brothers' most senior bankers, Andrew Taussig.

The New York Times

The scandals, which involve the premiers of North Rhine-Westphalia and Saxony, are particularly embarrassing for Mrs. Merkel.

The New York Times

The situation became particularly embarrassing this year, when the state's credit rating was reduced to its lowest level ever.

The New York Times

The loss to Louisiana-Monroe, in which Alabama was a 24-and-a-half-point favorite, was particularly embarrassing.

The New York Times

Ultimately his dictatorial tendencies did not prevent his downfall, and his ties to an Israeli spy proved particularly embarrassing.

The Guardian

The accusations that China is behind job losses are particularly embarrassing for the Government, which is currently courting president Xi Jinping on a high-profile trip to Britain.

Independent

Particularly embarrassing is the letter from the law firm, Harbottle & Lewis, which was hired by News International in 2007 in the wake of Mr. Goodman's court case.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "particularly embarrassing" to highlight situations that are more awkward or shameful than typical embarrassing moments. It adds emphasis to the level of discomfort or disgrace associated with the event.

Common error

While "particularly embarrassing" is widely applicable, consider simpler alternatives like "very awkward" or "really embarrassing" in casual conversations to avoid sounding overly formal.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "particularly embarrassing" functions as an adjectival modifier, intensifying the adjective "embarrassing". It highlights a situation or event as being notably more awkward or shameful than a typical instance. Ludwig provides ample examples of its use in varied contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Wiki

15%

Science

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "particularly embarrassing" is a frequently used and grammatically sound phrase that serves to intensify the feeling of embarrassment in a given situation. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's suitable for a wide range of contexts, from news reporting to formal writing, though simpler alternatives might be preferable in casual settings. Its function is to emphasize the degree of awkwardness or shame, and it's often found in authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Guardian. While versatile, it's crucial to consider the context to ensure the tone remains appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

intensely embarrassing

Uses "intensely" to amplify the feeling of embarrassment, indicating a strong emotional response.

particularly shaming

Directly links the situation to feelings of shame, with a slight shift in emphasis.

distinctly mortifying

Stresses the feeling of extreme embarrassment to the point of wanting to disappear.

exceptionally mortifying

Similar to "distinctly mortifying", but with a focus on the exceptional degree of embarrassment.

highly humiliating

Focuses on the aspect of deep shame and loss of pride, intensifying the feeling of embarrassment.

very humiliating

A more direct and simpler way to express a strong sense of shame and loss of dignity.

especially awkward

Emphasizes the discomfort and lack of ease associated with the situation, rather than the potential for shame.

significantly awkward

Similar to "especially awkward", but emphasizes the degree of discomfort.

notably shameful

Highlights the blameworthy or disgraceful nature of the situation.

remarkably discomfiting

Emphasizes the unsettling and disturbing nature of the embarrassment.

FAQs

How can I use "particularly embarrassing" in a sentence?

Use "particularly embarrassing" to describe situations that cause a significant degree of shame or awkwardness. For example, "It was "particularly embarrassing" when I forgot my boss's name."

What's a good alternative to "particularly embarrassing"?

Depending on the specific nuance you want to convey, alternatives include "especially awkward", "highly humiliating", or "intensely embarrassing".

Is it better to say "particularly embarrassing" or "very embarrassing"?

"Particularly embarrassing" implies a higher degree of embarrassment than "very embarrassing". Choose the phrase that accurately reflects the intensity of the situation.

In what contexts is "particularly embarrassing" most appropriate?

"Particularly embarrassing" is suitable for formal writing and news reports where precision is important. In casual conversation, simpler phrases might be more appropriate.