public humiliation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "public humiliation" is correct and can be used in written English.
It refers to the act of causing someone to feel embarrassed or ashamed in front of others. You can use it in situations where someone is intentionally shaming or embarrassing someone else in front of a group of people, either as a form of punishment or to humiliate or degrade them. Example: The politician's past mistakes were brought up during the debate, causing him intense public humiliation and damaging his reputation even further.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

I suffered public humiliation".

The New York Times - Magazine

That's public humiliation.

Independent

It was a public humiliation.

The New York Times

They face public humiliation.

The New York Times

Possibly involving public humiliation.

The Guardian - Sport

"It was because of the public humiliation.

Independent

"Public humiliation," Mr. Terry said.

The New York Times

The public humiliation was excruciating.

The Guardian - Tech

The daily grind, the public humiliation.

The New York Times

Public humiliation means everyone gets to learn.

The Guardian

The punishment? Public humiliation or worse.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about sensitive topics involving "public humiliation", consider the potential impact on the individuals involved and use respectful language.

Common error

Avoid using the term "public humiliation" when referring to private criticism or feedback, even if the criticism is harsh. "Public humiliation" specifically refers to instances where the embarrassment or shame is experienced in front of others.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "public humiliation" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It refers to the state or experience of being publicly shamed or embarrassed. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Wiki

9%

Science

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "public humiliation" is a grammatically sound and frequently used noun phrase that describes the experience of being publicly shamed or embarrassed. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is suitable for various contexts, with a strong presence in news and media. While alternatives such as "public shaming" and "public embarrassment" offer nuanced perspectives, the core meaning remains consistent. When using this phrase, it's essential to consider the sensitivity of the topic and avoid confusing it with private criticism. The abundance of examples available through Ludwig underscores its widespread usage and contextual relevance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

public shaming

Focuses more on the act of shaming rather than the resulting emotional state.

public embarrassment

Emphasizes the feeling of awkwardness and discomfiture experienced in public.

loss of face

Highlights the cultural aspect of losing respect or status in the eyes of others.

public disgrace

Implies a more severe and lasting form of dishonor.

public ridicule

Focuses on the mocking and derisive aspect of the humiliation.

social degradation

Emphasizes the lowering of someone's social standing.

public censure

Refers to a formal expression of disapproval.

being pilloried

Uses a historical term for public punishment and exposure to ridicule.

brought to shame

Focuses on the action of causing someone to feel ashamed.

subjected to scorn

Highlights the feeling of being rejected and despised.

FAQs

How can "public humiliation" be used in a sentence?

You can use "public humiliation" to describe an event or situation where someone experiences significant embarrassment or shame in a public setting. For example, "The politician suffered "public humiliation" when his past scandals were revealed."

What are some alternatives to "public humiliation"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "public shaming", "public embarrassment", or "loss of face".

Is "public humiliation" the same as "bullying"?

"Public humiliation" can be a form of bullying, but not all bullying involves public humiliation. Bullying is a broader term that encompasses repeated aggressive behavior, while "public humiliation" specifically refers to instances of causing shame or embarrassment in public.

Can "public humiliation" be a form of punishment?

Yes, historically, "public humiliation" has been used as a form of punishment, such as in the stocks or pillory. However, modern legal systems generally frown upon it as it can be considered cruel and unusual.