public ignominy

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "public ignominy" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a state of public shame or disgrace that someone experiences, often as a result of their actions or behavior. Example: "After the scandal broke, the politician faced public ignominy and was forced to resign from office."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

Is the public ignominy heaped on bankers justified?

The Guardian - Business

He rescued the Star from public ignominy in 1987 after a terrible quasi pornographic period.

The Guardian

On the scale of public ignominy, the last person to squeeze into a crowded New York elevator rates somewhere between the guy who hits "reply….

The New Yorker

"No industry in Britain has gone from expansion to public ignominy in so short a time and with such disastrous results," The Times wrote.

The New York Times

On the scale of public ignominy, the last person to squeeze into a crowded New York elevator rates somewhere between the guy who hits "reply all" to group e-mails and the one who blocks the box.

The New Yorker

(It is somehow not a surprise, however, that he once admitted he felt such guilt about the collapse of his first marriage that "he came to see public ignominy as a kind of atonement").

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

This allows Vodafone to withdraw without suffering the ignominy of public rejection.

The Guardian - Business

On the contrary, making them accessible ensures that state aid arrives to those who have a right to it…Helping them isn't ignominious, the ignominy is trying to hide who is helped and trying to keep the channelling of public funds secret.

The Economist

He will step down in December to be replaced by another man who suffered the ignominy of a very public dismissal – ex-Daily Mirror editor Piers Morgan.

Independent

Weinberger's public career wound up in near ignominy when he became the most senior member of the Reagan cabinet to be indicted for perjury and obstruction of justice during the Iran-Contra scandal.

The Guardian

When most of the nonpolitical world last paid attention to Newt Gingrich, about a decade ago, he was stepping away from public life shrouded in the kind of ignominy that seemed to shadow all the sordid politics of his era.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "public ignominy" to describe situations where an individual or entity faces widespread shame and loss of reputation due to actions that violate public norms or expectations. It effectively conveys the severity of the disgrace.

Common error

Avoid using "public ignominy" to describe mere unpopularity or disagreement. The phrase should be reserved for situations involving genuine disgrace and moral failing, not just differing opinions or lack of public approval.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "public ignominy" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or preposition. Ludwig examples show it describing the consequence of actions that lead to public disgrace. It indicates a state or condition resulting from a loss of reputation.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "public ignominy" is a noun phrase used to describe the state of public shame or disgrace resulting from actions deemed unacceptable by society. Ludwig AI confirms that it's grammatically correct and most commonly found in News & Media contexts. While effective for conveying a strong sense of disapproval, it should be reserved for situations where the level of disgrace is substantial, avoiding overuse in cases of minor embarrassment or disagreement. Related phrases include "public humiliation" and "public disgrace".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

public humiliation

Emphasizes the act of being humiliated in public, focusing on the experience of shame.

public disgrace

Highlights the loss of reputation and honor in the eyes of the public.

public embarrassment

Focuses on the feeling of awkwardness and discomfort in a public setting.

social stigma

Implies a mark of disgrace imposed by society, often long-lasting.

loss of face

Refers to a cultural concept of losing dignity and respect, particularly in Asian cultures.

public censure

Highlights official disapproval or condemnation by the public.

public shaming

Emphasizes the act of deliberately causing shame in public as a form of punishment or control.

notoriety

Implies fame for negative reasons, often associated with scandal or wrongdoing.

infamy

Suggests a lasting negative reputation due to extreme wickedness or evil.

opprobrium

Refers to severe criticism and condemnation, often from a large group.

FAQs

How is "public ignominy" typically used in a sentence?

The phrase "public ignominy" is commonly used to describe the state of being publicly shamed or disgraced. For example: "After the scandal broke, the politician faced "public ignominy" and was forced to resign."

What's the difference between "public ignominy" and "public humiliation"?

"Public ignominy" refers more to the state of being disgraced, while "public humiliation" emphasizes the act of being humiliated in public. "Public ignominy" is the result, "public humiliation" is the process.

Are there situations where using "public ignominy" might be too strong?

Yes, if the situation involves minor embarrassment or unpopularity, using "public ignominy" would be an overstatement. Reserve it for cases involving significant moral failings or scandals that lead to widespread disgrace. Using the term for minor incidents can dilute its impact and be seen as hyperbolic.

What are some alternatives to "public ignominy" if I want to convey a similar meaning with less intensity?

If you want to convey a similar meaning with less intensity, consider using phrases like "public disapproval", "public criticism", or "public embarrassment". These options are suitable for situations where the level of disgrace is less severe.