shameful face

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "shameful face" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone whose expression conveys feelings of shame or embarrassment. Example: "When he realized his mistake, a shameful face washed over him, revealing his regret."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

In addition to inter- and intra-regional labor migration, other migration trends have been observed in Southeast Asia, such as undocumented or irregular migration (4) and human trafficking, especially of women and children, for forced labor and the sex industry, which reveal migration's most shameful face (5– 7).

Global Health Action

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

"Anything less is a shameful face-saving measure".

Vice

There were forceful critics of these spectacles, people who thought a no-holds-barred fight was a shameful about-face in the march of civilization.

The New York Times - Sports

Today, one of the largest and most shameful crises faced by humanity is the issue of children's safety and development.

Huffington Post

9.21am I'm hoping Gary Naylor had his tongue firmly in his cheek when he put forward Gary Neville's shameful attempt at face fluff for our great sporting moustaches contest.

The Guardian - Sport

Since each borrower's parents will be named on the loan, failure to pay it back would result in a shameful losing of face for the parents.

TechCrunch

What is so very shameful not to face is the many thousands upon thousands who have killed themselves after coming home and not counting or including them in remembrances and memorials.

Huffington Post

"The claims backlog, I think, is a shameful scandal on the face of this nation," Mr. Hall said.

The New York Times

Israeli government practices of settlement construction, home demolitions, political assassinations, closures and shameful silence in the face of Israeli settler violence and other daily humiliations are clearly not aimed at calming the situation.

The New York Times

I knocked Pierre McGuire in my last post, but he was spot on when he referred at one point in the game to "hockey karma," in reference to the way the Rangers' fortunes seemed suddenly to improve after a Devil snapped his head back to sell a high-sticking swipe that actually never touched his face — a shameful (if ever more prevalent) hockey act.

The New Yorker

FOUR years after Kweisi Mfume, president of the N.A.A.C.P., branded television's lack of minority faces "a shameful display," the networks have responded.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "shameful face" to vividly portray a character's internal feelings of guilt, embarrassment, or disgrace in narrative writing. This emphasizes the outward manifestation of inner turmoil.

Common error

Avoid using "shameful face" to describe someone's physical appearance in a derogatory way. The phrase refers to an expression reflecting inner shame, not an inherent quality of the face itself.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "shameful face" functions primarily as a descriptive element, often used to characterize a person's emotional state. Ludwig confirms its validity and usability. The examples show it modifies a noun, adding emotional context.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "shameful face" is a valid, though somewhat uncommon, expression used to describe a facial expression revealing feelings of shame, guilt, or embarrassment. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and offers examples from varied contexts, including News & Media and Science. While alternatives like "ashamed look" or "embarrassed expression" may be more frequently used, "shameful face" provides a vivid and evocative way to portray a character's emotional state. Remember to use it appropriately to describe internal feelings rather than physical appearance, and consider the context to ensure the level of formality aligns with your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ashamed look

Simplifies the phrase to a more common and direct expression of being ashamed.

embarrassed expression

Focuses on the visible display of embarrassment rather than the underlying shame.

guilty visage

Emphasizes the appearance of guilt, suggesting wrongdoing.

mortified expression

Conveys a stronger sense of embarrassment and shame.

shamed countenance

Uses more formal language to describe a face marked by shame.

chagrined face

Uses a less common word, 'chagrined,' to indicate a feeling of vexation and embarrassment.

humiliated expression

Highlights the feeling of humiliation reflected in one's face.

disgraced appearance

Focuses on the loss of reputation or honor, reflected in the face.

crestfallen appearance

Describes a dejected or disappointed facial expression due to shame or failure.

self-reproachful expression

Highlights the aspect of self-blame and regret shown on the face.

FAQs

How can I use "shameful face" in a sentence?

You can use "shameful face" to describe someone's expression when they feel ashamed or embarrassed, such as: "A "shameful face" washed over him as he admitted his mistake."

What does "shameful face" mean?

"Shameful face" refers to a facial expression that conveys feelings of shame, guilt, or embarrassment. It indicates that someone is visibly experiencing these emotions.

What can I say instead of "shameful face"?

Alternatives to "shameful face" include "embarrassed expression", "guilty visage", or "ashamed look", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "shameful face" a common expression?

While grammatically correct, "shameful face" isn't a very common expression. More frequently used alternatives include "ashamed look" or "embarrassed expression".