slightly embarrassed

USAGE SUMMARY

"slightly embarrassed" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who is feeling a mild or moderate level of discomfort or self-consciousness. Example: "She was slightly embarrassed when she accidentally spilled her drink on her date's shirt."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Brassard smiled, slightly embarrassed.

The New York Times - Sports

He seemed slightly embarrassed.

The New York Times

He giggles, slightly embarrassed.

The Guardian

Two competent officers slightly embarrassed".

The Guardian

He seemed slightly embarrassed by his candor.

The New Yorker

More than anything, everyone seemed slightly embarrassed.

Independent

I shrugged the subject off, slightly embarrassed.

The New Yorker

They're still slightly embarrassed by that fact.

The Guardian

"Just take a look," he said, slightly embarrassed.

The New Yorker

"We bought before the boom," I explain, slightly embarrassed.

The Guardian - Money

But I have felt slightly embarrassed about it since.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "slightly embarrassed" to convey a mild sense of self-consciousness or discomfort, often in social situations. It's perfect when the feeling isn't overwhelming but still noticeable.

Common error

Avoid using "slightly embarrassed" too frequently in your writing, as it can become repetitive. Vary your descriptions of emotions with synonyms like "a little ashamed" or "somewhat sheepish" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "slightly embarrassed" functions as an adjectival phrase modifying a noun or pronoun, describing a state of feeling a mild level of embarrassment. Ludwig's examples show it used to describe people's reactions to various situations, from minor social faux pas to moments of unexpected attention.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Formal & Business

25%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "slightly embarrassed" is a common and grammatically correct adjectival phrase used to describe a mild feeling of discomfort or self-consciousness. As evidenced by Ludwig's examples, it appears frequently in news articles, formal business documents, and academic writing, with neutral formality. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and common usage. When writing, remember to vary your phrasing and consider synonyms like "a touch embarrassed" to avoid repetition.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a touch embarrassed

Uses "touch" instead of "slightly" for a more delicate nuance.

a bit self-conscious

Highlights the awareness of oneself and discomfort in a social situation.

somewhat sheepish

Implies a more visible or awkward display of embarrassment.

faintly chagrined

A more formal and subtle way of expressing mild disappointment and embarrassment.

somewhat abashed

Indicates a feeling of being disconcerted or ashamed, typically in response to criticism or rebuke.

a little ashamed

Focuses more on the feeling of shame, though still mild, rather than just embarrassment.

slightly uncomfortable

Broader term that encompasses embarrassment but can also refer to physical discomfort.

rather awkward

Shifts the focus to the situation being uncomfortable, rather than the internal feeling.

mildly humiliated

Suggests a slightly stronger feeling of having one's pride lowered.

a little red-faced

Describes a physical manifestation of embarrassment.

FAQs

How can I use "slightly embarrassed" in a sentence?

You can use "slightly embarrassed" to describe someone's feeling of mild discomfort or self-consciousness. For example, "He was slightly embarrassed when he realized he'd worn mismatched socks."

What can I say instead of "slightly embarrassed"?

You can use alternatives like "a bit self-conscious", "somewhat sheepish", or "a touch embarrassed" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it ever inappropriate to use the phrase "slightly embarrassed"?

While generally appropriate, using "slightly embarrassed" might be inadequate if someone is experiencing intense shame or humiliation. Choose a more potent phrase if the situation warrants it.

What's the difference between "slightly embarrassed" and "very embarrassed"?

"Slightly embarrassed" indicates a mild level of discomfort, while "very embarrassed" suggests a much stronger feeling of shame or awkwardness. The choice depends on the intensity of the emotion you want to portray.