public shame

USAGE SUMMARY

"public shame" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is often used to describe a feeling of humiliation or disgrace experienced by someone in front of a large group of people. Example: The politician's corruption scandal brought great public shame upon his family and his career.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Exactly the same sensation, oddly enough, was levied by last month's publication of an anthology edited by Robin Robertson entitled Mortification: Writers' Stories of Their Public Shame.

The Guardian - Books

Public shame".

The Guardian

The public shame didn't bother me.

The New York Times

But there is a third way, which is public shame.

Independent

And the public shame, it is hoped, will be worse.

The Guardian

Even public shame seems like a poor solution.

The Guardian - Opinion

Only public shame, it decided, would prompt action.

The New York Times

He asked not to be named for fear of public shame.

The New York Times

The punishment imposed is generally punishment by humiliation and public shame.

Cornell University

"Hers has been a very public shame and a very public humiliation indeed.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

The same is true of the confessions collected by Robin Robertson in his 2003 book Mortification: Writers' Stories of their Public Shame.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "public shame" when describing the consequences of actions that violate social norms or ethical standards, especially when those actions are widely known.

Common error

Avoid using "public shame" lightly. Ensure the situation genuinely warrants a sense of widespread humiliation and isn't merely personal embarrassment. Overusing the phrase can diminish its impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "public shame" functions primarily as a noun phrase. As Ludwig AI explains, it describes a feeling of humiliation or disgrace experienced in front of a large group of people. It is used to denote the state of being publicly disgraced.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Academia

10%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "public shame" is a commonly used noun phrase that describes the feeling of humiliation resulting from widespread knowledge of one's misdeeds. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a grammatically correct and frequently encountered expression, particularly in news and media contexts. While similar phrases like "public humiliation" or "public disgrace" can be used, it's important to consider the specific nuances each conveys. When using "public shame", ensure it accurately reflects the severity and scope of the situation to maintain clarity and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

public humiliation

Emphasizes the act of being made to feel ashamed publicly.

public disgrace

Focuses on the loss of respect or honor in the eyes of the public.

being shamed publicly

Emphasizes the action and experience of being subjected to public shame.

social stigma

Highlights the societal disapproval and marking of an individual or group.

loss of face

Refers to the cultural concept of losing honor or prestige in public, particularly in some Asian cultures.

public censure

Implies a formal or official expression of disapproval.

societal condemnation

Stresses the strong disapproval from society as a whole.

public scorn

Highlights the feeling of contempt or disdain from the public.

national embarrassment

Scales the shame to a national level, implying it reflects poorly on the entire country.

public opprobrium

Uses a more formal term for public disgrace or condemnation.

FAQs

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

You can use "public shame" to describe the feeling someone experiences due to widespread knowledge of their misdeeds. For example: "The politician resigned to avoid further "public shame".

What's a good alternative to "public shame"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "public humiliation", "public disgrace", or "social stigma" to convey a similar meaning.

Is there a difference between "public shame" and "public shaming"?

"Public shame" is the feeling of humiliation, while "public shaming" refers to the act of deliberately trying to induce that feeling in someone.

When is it appropriate to use the term "public shame"?

It is appropriate when describing situations where an individual's actions have resulted in widespread disapproval and a sense of disgrace within the community or society.