source of humiliation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "source of humiliation" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a person, situation, or event that causes feelings of shame or embarrassment. Example: "The incident at the party became a source of humiliation for him, as everyone laughed at his mistake."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

It was a great source of humiliation".

The New York Times

The man whom he idolized had become a source of humiliation and grief.

The New Yorker

But the incident was a source of humiliation for Martoma and for his family, and it became a closely held secret.

The New Yorker

The unspoken comparison to India's rival China, which won widespread acclaim from its preparations for the 2008 Summer Olympics, are a further source of humiliation.

The New York Times - Sports

The Bunga Bungas are a source of humiliation for many Italians, and of humor for others, including the Presidente, as Berlusconi is called.

The New Yorker

Suddenly, playing like a girl isn't a source of humiliation in certain athlete demographics where the men are open-minded and old attitudes are disposable.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

Terrified by the prospect of never walking again and by new sources of humiliation like his "skinny friend the urinary catheter," Rucker crumples into a long depression.

The New York Times

The large-adult-son meme takes wing from the idea that men overcompensate when they are humiliated, and that a primary source of this humiliation is interdependence sons act out when they are defined by their fathers, and fathers are disgraced by the oafish flailing of their sons.

The New Yorker

The walls of Dad's office were adorned with my artwork (his favorite, later a source of deep humiliation for me, was a pink stick figure holding a fish, which I had provocatively titled "Naked Girl With Fish").

The New York Times

During Nixon's trip to China, he paused at the airport to shake Zhou Enlai's hand — and in doing so helped mend a decades-old source of Chinese humiliation.

The New Yorker

To a nation with our overwhelming conventional military superiority, that should be a source of national humiliation.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "source of humiliation", ensure that the context clearly indicates what is causing the shame or embarrassment. Be specific and avoid ambiguity to maximize the impact of your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "source of humiliation" for minor embarrassments. Reserve it for situations that genuinely cause deep shame or public disgrace to prevent exaggerating the impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "source of humiliation" functions as a noun phrase, identifying something that causes feelings of shame or embarrassment. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's usable in written English. Examples show it describing events, people, or situations.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "source of humiliation" is a noun phrase used to describe the origin of a feeling of deep shame or embarrassment. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability in written English. Although not very common, the phrase is frequently found in news and media contexts, suggesting a relatively formal register. It is important to use this phrase appropriately, reserving it for situations that genuinely cause significant disgrace to avoid overstating the intensity. Related phrases include "cause of shame" and "origin of embarrassment", each carrying slightly different connotations. Be mindful to choose the expression which is the best depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

cause of shame

Focuses more directly on the feeling of shame rather than the broader humiliation.

origin of embarrassment

Highlights the feeling of awkwardness and discomfort associated with the situation.

reason for disgrace

Implies a loss of reputation or honor as a result of the situation.

root of mortification

Emphasizes the deep sense of shame and wounded pride.

basis for dishonor

Indicates a fundamental reason for the loss of respect and integrity.

fount of degradation

Suggests a deep and profound sense of being lowered in status or value.

occasion for chagrin

Highlights the feeling of annoyance and disappointment caused by the situation.

matter of ignominy

Implies a public shame or disgrace.

agency of abasement

Focuses on the action or entity that causes the lowering of one's self-esteem.

impetus for humbling

Highlights the driving force behind a situation that reduces one's pride.

FAQs

How can I use "source of humiliation" in a sentence?

Use "source of humiliation" to describe something that causes someone to feel ashamed or embarrassed. For example, "His public failure became a major "source of humiliation" for his family".

What's the difference between "source of humiliation" and "source of embarrassment"?

"Source of humiliation" implies a deeper, more profound shame, while "source of embarrassment" suggests a milder, less intense feeling of awkwardness. Use "source of embarrassment" for less serious situations.

What are some synonyms for "source of humiliation"?

Alternatives include "cause of shame", "reason for disgrace", and "origin of embarrassment", each carrying slightly different connotations.

Is it appropriate to use "source of humiliation" in formal writing?

Yes, "source of humiliation" is appropriate for formal writing when accurately describing a situation causing significant shame. Ensure the tone and context warrant such a strong expression.