profoundly embarrassing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "profoundly embarrassing" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it to describe something that causes a strong feeling of shame or discomfort. Example: The politician's scandalous behavior was profoundly embarrassing for his supporters and tarnished his reputation.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

More subtly, Edward Said wrote a perceptive analysis of "Kim" in his 1993 book, "Culture and Imperialism," calling the novel "rich and absolutely fascinating" but "profoundly embarrassing".

The New York Times - Books

It sends special rapporteurs to investigate violations, a spotlight that is profoundly embarrassing to dictators.

The New York Times

But the profoundly embarrassing truth was that the story was false.

The Guardian

The Weekly Standard has posted Mr. Walker's teenage hip-hop noodlings on its Web site as though these were profoundly embarrassing to the left.

The New York Times

"To watch her grinding her crotch at the camera like a Pussycat Doll gone wild, while breathing "Cootchie, cootchie, cootchie coo, I've got a plan for what I'm gonna do to you" is a profoundly embarrassing experience".

The Guardian - Film

Some of these attacks can be devastatingly destructive, or at least profoundly embarrassing, as Sony Pictures recently learned.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

"I was profoundly embarrassed," she says.

The New Yorker

They were profoundly embarrassed by the clear evidence that banks were undercapitalized before the credit crisis despite the banks' claims to the contrary.

The New York Times

The spate of off-field violence, nearly all of it directed at women, has profoundly embarrassed many N.F.L. players, coaches and owners.

The New York Times - Sports

Her disclosures profoundly embarrassed the government, made WikiLeaks a household name, and, by some accounts, served as a catalyst for the Arab Spring.

The New Yorker

Letters are welcome via e-mail to [email protected] GelbardSIR – I was shocked and profoundly embarrassed by the utterly false statement made against me in your article on the International Commission Against Impunity in Guatemala (CICIG) ("Parachuting in the prosecutors", October 15th).

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "profoundly embarrassing", consider the intensity you wish to convey. It's suitable for situations causing significant shame or discomfort, not just minor social faux pas.

Common error

Avoid using "profoundly embarrassing" for trivial or commonplace events. Reserve it for situations with a strong element of humiliation or shame to maintain its impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "profoundly embarrassing" functions primarily as an adjective phrase, where "profoundly" intensifies the adjective "embarrassing". It modifies a noun or pronoun, describing something that causes a strong feeling of shame or discomfort. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and suitable for written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Academia

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "profoundly embarrassing" is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe situations that evoke a significant sense of shame, humiliation, or discomfort. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and provides real-world examples. While not overly common, the phrase is appropriate for neutral to formal contexts, particularly in news, media, and scientific writing. When using this phrase, be mindful of the intensity it conveys and reserve it for situations that warrant a strong emotional response. Alternatives like "deeply mortifying" or "utterly humiliating" can be used to fine-tune the specific nuance. It's important to avoid overuse in trivial situations. Its function is to express a negative evaluation, its register can be from neutral to formal.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

deeply mortifying

Emphasizes the intense shame and humiliation associated with the situation.

utterly humiliating

Highlights the complete and total nature of the humiliation.

acutely shameful

Focuses on the sharp and intense feeling of shame.

intensely awkward

Shifts the focus to the uncomfortable and clumsy nature of the situation.

terribly disconcerting

Emphasizes the disturbing and unsettling aspect of the embarrassment.

extremely discomfiting

Highlights the loss of ease and comfort experienced.

thoroughly shaming

Focuses on the complete and pervasive nature of the shaming experience.

gravely mortifying

Emphasizes the serious and weighty nature of the mortification.

exceedingly awkward

Highlights the exceptional degree of the awkwardness.

distinctly humiliating

Emphasizes the clear and noticeable nature of the humiliation.

FAQs

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

Use "profoundly embarrassing" to describe situations that evoke a strong sense of shame or discomfort. For example, "The politician's scandal was "profoundly embarrassing" for his supporters."

What are some alternatives to "profoundly embarrassing"?

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

Is "profoundly embarrassing" too strong for everyday situations?

Yes, "profoundly embarrassing" is best reserved for situations that cause significant shame or discomfort. Using it for minor incidents might sound exaggerated. Consider using less intense alternatives like "slightly awkward" or "a little embarrassing" for minor situations.

What makes something "profoundly embarrassing" as opposed to just "embarrassing"?

"Profoundly embarrassing" implies a deeper, more significant level of shame or humiliation. It suggests that the event has a lasting impact and causes considerable discomfort, distinguishing it from a simply "embarrassing" moment which might be fleeting and less intense.