utter disgrace

USAGE SUMMARY

"utter disgrace" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It is typically used to describe something that is considered shameful, shameful or unacceptable. Example: The politician's behavior was an utter disgrace to the office he held.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

Society

Politics

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

41 human-written examples

Utter disgrace," she tweeted.

The Guardian

"It's an utter disgrace," he said.

The New York Times

"It is an utter disgrace, but it's not a surprise.

The Guardian

Campaigners said the figures were an "utter disgrace".

The Guardian

As ever, not a single player sings along, which is an utter disgrace.

The Guardian - Sport

"The current incarceration of Indigenous people are a complete and utter disgrace," Dodson said.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

19 human-written examples

What utter nonsense.

The New York Times

In 2012 Britain did not need to rehabilitate itself from utter national disgrace (Tokyo 1964, Munich 1972), nor impress its progress on an unknowing world (Seoul 1988), nor spend billions on a tourist advertising campaign (Barcelona 1992).

The Guardian - Sport

Liberal Democrat peer Lord Dykes described the continuing delay as an "utter and total disgrace".

The Guardian

"The salary distortions in our public bureaucracy have reached a point where they are an utter and absolute disgrace," said Gil Castello Branco, director of Contas Abertas, a watchdog group that scrutinizes government budgets.

The New York Times

But doing so without seeking the consent of the British people in a referendum is an absolute, utter and wholly unforgivable disgrace.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the audience and context when using "utter disgrace", as it can be perceived as a strong and potentially inflammatory expression. Ensure it aligns with the tone and purpose of your communication.

Common error

Avoid using "utter disgrace" in situations that warrant a milder expression of disappointment or disapproval. Its intensity can be disproportionate in informal settings, making your communication sound overly dramatic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "utter disgrace" functions as a noun phrase that typically acts as a subject complement or object. It serves to characterize something as completely unacceptable, shameful, or appalling. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is both grammatically correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Sport

10%

Academia

8%

Less common in

Society

7%

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "utter disgrace" is a frequently used phrase to express strong disapproval and condemnation. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and appropriate for use in various contexts, most commonly in news and media, often relating to politics, sports, and societal issues. The phrase emphasizes the severity of a situation, characterizing it as completely unacceptable or shameful. When using this phrase, consider the audience and context to ensure the intensity aligns with the intended message. Alternatives like "complete shame" or "absolute scandal" can be used to convey similar meanings with slightly different nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

total shame

Substitutes "utter disgrace" with "total shame", highlighting the feeling of dishonor.

absolute scandal

Substitutes "utter disgrace" with "absolute scandal", stressing public outrage and shock.

complete embarrassment

Replaces "disgrace" with "embarrassment", focusing on shame and awkwardness.

appalling behavior

Substitutes "utter disgrace" with "appalling behavior", stressing the unacceptable conduct.

unmitigated disaster

Replaces "utter disgrace" with "unmitigated disaster", highlighting the negative consequences and severity.

egregious offense

Replaces "utter disgrace" with "egregious offense", emphasizing the severity and wrongfulness.

complete failure

Replaces "utter disgrace" with "complete failure", emphasizing the lack of success.

flagrant violation

Replaces "utter disgrace" with "flagrant violation", focusing on the blatant disregard for rules or standards.

profound disappointment

Substitutes "utter disgrace" with "profound disappointment", focusing on the feeling of letdown.

severe lapse in judgment

Substitutes "utter disgrace" with "severe lapse in judgment", emphasizing the poor decision-making.

FAQs

How can I use "utter disgrace" in a sentence?

You can use "utter disgrace" to express strong disapproval, as in "The politician's actions were an "utter disgrace" to the office." or "The team's performance was an "utter disgrace"."

What's a less intense alternative to "utter disgrace"?

If you want to express disapproval without being too harsh, consider using phrases like "disappointment", "letdown", or "unacceptable" depending on the context.

What are synonyms for "utter disgrace"?

Synonyms include "complete shame", "absolute scandal", or "unmitigated disaster", each carrying a slightly different nuance.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "utter disgrace"?

It's appropriate when you want to strongly condemn something that is not only disappointing but also morally or ethically wrong, causing significant shame or dishonor. Ensure the context warrants such a strong expression.