somewhat embarrassing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "somewhat embarrassing" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or feeling that causes a mild level of embarrassment. Example: "I found it somewhat embarrassing to trip in front of my colleagues during the meeting."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

It is also somewhat embarrassing.

The Economist

Her hug was sticky and tight and somewhat embarrassing.

The New Yorker

This ad flattered her, even if she found it somewhat embarrassing.

The New York Times - Books

This is slightly more than somewhat embarrassing to the guy because his everloving might interfere with his drinking.

The New York Times - Sports

And today, when the governor's office released a pile of e-mails, it turned out to be somewhat embarrassing.

The New York Times

Sloan-Kettering has maintained that it is a private matter affecting Dr. Thompson, though the accusations have clearly been somewhat embarrassing for the prestigious Manhattan cancer center.

The New York Times

So it is somewhat embarrassing that as the European Union's Commissioner for Trade, he has presided over the imposition of punitive duties on a wave of Asian imports.

The Economist

It's somewhat embarrassing that we didn't look outward sooner, that foreign wars got less TV air time than the war against wrinkles.

The New York Times

In mid-June, however, there was a development that showed these assurances in a different light, somewhat embarrassing to the broadcasting industry.

The New Yorker

Joe DePlasco, the spokesman for the Green campaign, sought last night to present the confusing and somewhat embarrassing situation in the best possible light.

The New York Times

In fact, the report is somewhat embarrassing for the party, which criticized the opposition Democratic Party for suggesting during parliamentary elections last month that taxes must rise.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "somewhat embarrassing" to describe situations that cause a mild feeling of shame or awkwardness, avoiding stronger terms when the situation isn't severely humiliating. It is a great way to downplay a delicate situation.

Common error

Avoid using "somewhat embarrassing" in highly formal or professional documents where a more direct or serious tone is expected. Consider using more formal alternatives to maintain credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "somewhat embarrassing" primarily functions as an adjective phrase. It modifies nouns to describe something causing a mild level of embarrassment, as demonstrated by Ludwig in the provided examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

15%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "somewhat embarrassing" is a common and grammatically correct adjective phrase used to describe situations causing mild embarrassment. As Ludwig AI indicates, its usage is versatile, appearing frequently in news and media, science, and general writing. When aiming for precision, consider alternatives such as "slightly awkward" or "a bit humiliating" depending on the specific context. While generally acceptable, avoid overusing the phrase in very formal settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

slightly awkward

Indicates a mild level of discomfort or unease; less intense than "somewhat embarrassing".

kind of awkward

Similar to "slightly awkward" but with a more casual tone.

a bit humiliating

Focuses more on the feeling of being humbled or degraded, carrying a stronger negative connotation.

mildly mortifying

Emphasizes the shame or chagrin experienced, suggesting a slightly more intense emotional reaction.

rather shameful

Highlights the aspect of disgrace or dishonor, implying a sense of guilt or regret.

quite cringeworthy

Captures the feeling of wanting to recoil or hide due to the awkwardness of the situation.

a little disconcerting

Suggests a feeling of unease or disturbance, focusing on the unsettling nature of the situation.

somewhat discomfiting

Similar to disconcerting, highlighting the lack of comfort experienced.

slightly compromising

Indicates that one's reputation or position may be slightly jeopardized.

a touch humiliating

A more gentle and less accusatory way of expressing feeling of being humbled.

FAQs

What does "somewhat embarrassing" mean?

The phrase "somewhat embarrassing" describes a situation or feeling that causes a mild level of shame, awkwardness, or discomfort. It suggests the situation isn't severely humiliating but still causes some unease.

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

You can use "somewhat embarrassing" to describe events or situations. For example: "It was "slightly awkward" when I forgot my boss's name during the presentation" or "The mistake was "mildly mortifying", but I quickly recovered."

What are some alternatives to "somewhat embarrassing"?

You can use alternatives like "slightly awkward", "a bit humiliating", or "mildly mortifying" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "a somewhat embarrassing situation"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. "Somewhat" modifies the adjective "embarrassing", and together they describe the noun "situation". This phrasing is common and widely accepted in English.