such an embarrassment

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "such an embarrassment" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a feeling of shame or discomfort regarding a situation or action. Example: "When I realized I had forgotten my best friend's birthday, it was such an embarrassment for me."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

41 human-written examples

Søren was thus living proof of an incorrigible concupiscence and, as such, an embarrassment to himself.

The New Yorker

"That's such an embarrassment," Davis said last week, sarcastically, in earshot of Jones.

The New York Times - Sports

Trump's visit became such an embarrassment to the unpopular Mexican government that Peña Nieto was forced to sack Videgaray.

The New Yorker

By then, Bush's war on terror had become such an embarrassment that the US government had to change its name to "overseas contingency operations".

The Guardian - Opinion

Sir Allen Stanford It wasn't just that last year's Stanford series was such an embarrassment, but the $20m [£12.2m] England never came close to winning may not actually have belonged to the American who seemed to love cricket so much.

Independent

(The book, which made a case for Wilson's "Christ Complex," was deemed such an embarrassment when it was finally published in 1967, however, that some critics doubted whether Freud had all that much to do with the project).

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

17 human-written examples

The odds on it being settled are high.It is not only companies which find such cases an embarrassment.

The Economist

Ryan had to engage in quite a bit of chicanery to hide the true costs of his plan, but that budget was such an obvious embarrassment and potential political disaster that Ryan re-wrote it.

Huffington Post

"It's such a huge embarrassment," said Barbara Keane of South Salem.

The New York Times

This is why David Cameron's presence at last week's climate summit in Paris was such a national embarrassment.

The Guardian - Opinion

No matter what happens in the N.L. Worst, the monarchs of Major League Baseball are on alert to rewrite the postseason statutes in order to avert even the possibility of such a future embarrassment.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "such an embarrassment" when you want to express that a situation, person, or event is causing feelings of shame, awkwardness, or humiliation. Ensure the context clearly indicates what is causing the embarrassment.

Common error

Avoid using "such an embarrassment" to describe something that is merely inconvenient or disappointing. The phrase carries a strong connotation of shame or humiliation, so ensure the context warrants such a strong term.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "such an embarrassment" functions primarily as a subjective assessment, expressing a negative evaluation of a situation, person, or event. It often serves to highlight a feeling of shame, awkwardness, or humiliation. As Ludwig confirms, this phrase is considered valid and usable in written English. Examples in Ludwig showcases variety of contexts where someone or something is deemed to be "such an embarrassment".

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "such an embarrassment" is a grammatically sound and relatively common expression used to convey a feeling of shame, awkwardness, or humiliation. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is deemed correct. It frequently appears in news and media contexts, indicating a neutral to slightly informal register. Alternatives like "a complete disgrace" or "a real source of shame" can be used depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. When using the phrase, ensure that the situation genuinely warrants the strong negative connotation associated with it. While useful, be mindful to apply it accurately to situations deserving of shame rather than mere inconvenience.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a real source of shame

Focuses more on the feeling of shame rather than the embarrassing nature of the situation.

a complete disgrace

Emphasizes the dishonorable or unacceptable nature of the situation.

utterly humiliating

Highlights the feeling of being deeply embarrassed and losing one's dignity.

quite a letdown

Suggests a disappointment or failure to meet expectations, leading to embarrassment.

a major faux pas

Refers to a significant social blunder or mistake that causes embarrassment.

terribly awkward

Highlights the uncomfortable and clumsy nature of the situation.

a regrettable incident

Focuses on the unfortunate nature of the event and the resulting embarrassment.

a sorry spectacle

Emphasizes the pitiful and embarrassing nature of the situation.

a cringe-worthy moment

Highlights the feeling of intense awkwardness and embarrassment.

a blot on one's reputation

Emphasizes the damage to one's image or standing due to an embarrassing event.

FAQs

How can I use "such an embarrassment" in a sentence?

Use "such an embarrassment" to describe something or someone that causes feelings of shame or awkwardness. For example, "The failed project was "such an embarrassment" for the entire team."

What are some alternatives to "such an embarrassment"?

Alternatives include "a complete disgrace", "a real source of shame", or "utterly humiliating" depending on the context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "such an embarrassment"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. The phrase follows standard English grammar rules and is widely used. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is correct and usable in written English.

What's the difference between "such an embarrassment" and "a disappointment"?

"Such an embarrassment" carries a stronger connotation of shame or humiliation, while "a disappointment" simply indicates a failure to meet expectations. The phrase "such an embarrassment" implies a greater degree of awkwardness or mortification than "a disappointment".