quite embarrassing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "quite embarrassing" is grammatically correct and commonly used in written English.
It is typically used to describe a situation or event that is very awkward, humiliating, or uncomfortable. Example: His sudden outburst in the middle of the meeting was quite embarrassing for everyone in the room.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It's really quite embarrassing.

The New York Times

It's all quite embarrassing.

The Guardian

It was really quite embarrassing.

The New Yorker

Lesbian Vampire Killers was quite embarrassing.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

I like it sometimes, but it's quite embarrassing.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"They called the WTA, they called the physios, which is quite embarrassing.

The New York Times

Mr. Liu called the accusations of improprieties "quite embarrassing" and promised a full accounting.

The New York Times

I am quite embarrassing all the time, so I don't really know.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"If you haven't worked out your angles and where you are going to be, it could be quite embarrassing.

The Guardian

"Obviously at the time it was quite embarrassing.

BBC

This ridiculous homage to Red Card Rooney is quite embarrassing.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "quite embarrassing" to describe situations that cause discomfort or mild shame, but avoid using it for severe or tragic events where stronger language is more appropriate.

Common error

While "quite embarrassing" is acceptable in many situations, it may sound too informal in highly professional or academic settings. Consider using more formal alternatives such as "somewhat mortifying" or "slightly humiliating" for a more sophisticated tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "quite embarrassing" functions as a descriptive expression, where "quite" modifies the adjective "embarrassing" to intensify the feeling of discomfort or shame. Ludwig AI confirms this usage, showcasing the phrase's role in conveying a notable degree of awkwardness.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Wiki

20%

Science

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "quite embarrassing" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to describe situations causing mild discomfort or shame. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its validity and frequency across various contexts. While generally neutral in tone, it might be less suitable for highly formal or academic settings where more precise alternatives like "slightly humiliating" or "somewhat mortifying" may be preferred. The phrase is found most frequently in News & Media and Wiki content, showcasing its broad applicability in conveying subjective feelings of awkwardness or humiliation. Overusing this phrase in formal situations should be avoided.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

genuinely mortifying

Emphasizes the sincerity of the mortification using "genuinely", adding a layer of authenticity to the feeling.

truly humiliating

Similar to "genuinely mortifying", this uses "truly humiliating" to highlight the authenticity and depth of humiliation.

rather humiliating

Replaces "quite" with "rather" and "embarrassing" with "humiliating", slightly altering the intensity of the feeling.

somewhat mortifying

Replaces "quite embarrassing" with "somewhat mortifying", indicating a slightly more intense feeling of shame.

distinctly awkward

Highlights the noticeable nature of the awkwardness, making it clear that the situation is undoubtedly uncomfortable.

pretty awkward

Substitutes "quite embarrassing" with a more informal expression, "pretty awkward".

remarkably uncomfortable

Indicates a notable level of discomfort, suggesting that the situation is unusually unpleasant.

slightly shameful

Uses "slightly shameful" to express a milder form of embarrassment compared to the original phrase.

utterly shameful

Enhances the intensity using "utterly", emphasizing the deep feeling of shame associated with the situation.

a little cringe-worthy

Employs the term "cringe-worthy" to denote an action or situation that induces discomfort or embarrassment.

FAQs

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

You can use "quite embarrassing" to describe a situation or event that causes mild discomfort or shame. For example, "His unexpected mistake during the presentation was "quite embarrassing" for everyone involved."

What can I say instead of "quite embarrassing"?

You can use alternatives like "rather humiliating", "pretty awkward", or "somewhat mortifying" depending on the context.

Is "quite embarrassing" formal or informal?

"Quite embarrassing" leans toward the informal side but is generally acceptable in many everyday contexts. In more formal settings, consider using alternatives such as "slightly humiliating" or "somewhat mortifying".

What makes a situation "quite embarrassing"?

A situation is "quite embarrassing" when it involves a minor social faux pas, an awkward moment, or a slightly humiliating event that causes discomfort but is not severely damaging or tragic.