utter shame

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "utter shame" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a strong feeling of disgrace or embarrassment about a situation or action. Example: "It is an utter shame that such talent was wasted on that project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

I felt utter shame.

The Guardian

Marikana is and always will be a tale of utter shame.

The Guardian

Many New Yorkers have at one time or another felt both tremendous pride and utter shame for their city, and English captures that ambivalence.

The New York Times - Books

Winter is hard by, and they must have blankets and comfortable clothing, or they will perish and die to our utter shame".

The New York Times

Dodson told ABC radio it was "a matter of utter shame" and showed problems revealed by the royal commission into deaths in custody 25 years ago continued.

The Guardian

Aji and Conrad Lewis said it was a "matter of utter shame for the IPCC, serving only to erode our confidence in that organisation or, indeed, in the police".

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

Images of helicopters evacuating people in Saigon haunted him with feelings of utter failure, shame and rage.

The New York Times

How much revenue do you have to raise before the feelings of UTTER, GHASTLY SHAME start to diminish?

Huffington Post

Sixty years old, she looks back from prison on her involvement in the La Bianca murders (the night after the Tate massacre) in utter horror, shame, and guilt and takes full responsibility for her part in the crimes.

Huffington Post

It is not uttered with shame or ire or any sense of embarrassment; it's simply one of the things she is, fat.

The New York Times

Moran once said that her strength as a writer was her complete and utter lack of shame.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "utter shame", ensure the context clearly indicates what is causing the shame. Avoid ambiguity by specifying the source of the disgrace.

Common error

Avoid using "utter shame" for minor inconveniences or slight disappointments. The phrase carries significant weight and should be reserved for situations that genuinely evoke a sense of profound disgrace or regret.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "utter shame" functions as an evaluative expression, conveying a strong negative judgment or disapproval of a situation or action. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's a way to express a profound feeling of disgrace or embarrassment. Examples in Ludwig show its use in contexts ranging from political scandals to personal failures.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

"Utter shame" is a phrase used to express a strong feeling of disgrace or embarrassment, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It is grammatically correct and commonly found in News & Media. Its primary function is to convey a negative judgment, and it is suitable for neutral to formal contexts. Alternatives include "complete disgrace" or "total embarrassment", but it should be used in situations that genuinely warrant such a strong expression. The phrase is not suitable for minor issues or inconveniences.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

complete disgrace

Emphasizes the dishonorable aspect, focusing on the loss of reputation or honor.

total embarrassment

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

deep mortification

Suggests a more profound and intense level of shame and humiliation.

profound regret

Focuses on the sorrow and remorse felt about a past action or event.

absolute humiliation

Stresses the complete and utter nature of the feeling of being humbled or disgraced.

unmitigated disgrace

Implies that the shame is not lessened or excused in any way.

abject humiliation

Conveys a sense of being brought low and feeling utterly ashamed.

grievous dishonor

Underscores the damage to one's reputation and standing.

palpable disgrace

Indicates that the shame is easily perceived or felt by others.

sheer mortification

Emphasizes the intensity and purity of the feeling of mortification.

FAQs

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

You can use "utter shame" to express strong disapproval or disappointment. For example, "It's an utter shame that the historical building was demolished."

What are some alternatives to "utter shame"?

Alternatives include "complete disgrace", "total embarrassment", or "deep mortification", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. /s/complete+disgrace, /s/total+embarrassment, /s/deep+mortification

Is "utter shame" a formal or informal expression?

"Utter shame" can be used in both formal and informal contexts, though it's more impactful in formal writing due to its strong emotional connotation.

What kind of situations warrant the use of "utter shame"?

Use "utter shame" when describing situations that involve significant moral failing, profound disappointment, or a severe breach of standards. It's suitable when the situation calls for a strong expression of disgrace.