utterly embarrassing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "utterly embarrassing" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or event that causes extreme shame or discomfort. Example: "When I tripped and fell in front of everyone at the party, it was utterly embarrassing."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

"It really was the lowest point in my professional life and utterly embarrassing.

The Guardian - Film

The minimum salary is understood to have moved from the utterly embarrassing $36,000 up to $60,000.

The Guardian - Sport

I know how much exams suck and how utterly embarrassing it is when you say something stupid in front of a lot of people.

The Guardian

A few weeks later, a package arrives and the walls of parents' houses are adorned with utterly embarrassing, almost always awful, overexposed graduation pictures with the same mottled grey background as was used for 'official' nursery pictures nearly two decades ago.

Independent

Naughty has never been used in any way that's not utterly embarrassing.

Vice

Only that if City win the league, the idea we're living in a golden age of English football is an utterly embarrassing one.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

They will feel utterly embarrassed.

BBC

Vizzini was utterly embarrassed by the incident and ordered his interpreter not to tell anybody what had happened.

Wikipedia

(Speaking of Germany, Trump's German relatives are utterly embarrassed by him and a study by Pew Research Center found that only 6% of its citizens considers him trustworthy).

Huffington Post

Had he picked "horrendously embarrassing" and "utterly mortifying" instead, he would still have understated the case.

The Guardian - Sport

Second, the idea that a rising tide lifts all boats has been so utterly disproved it should be embarrassing to state in public.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing situations that cause intense shame or discomfort, use "utterly embarrassing" to emphasize the severity of the feeling. It adds a strong emotional impact to your writing.

Common error

While "utterly embarrassing" is a valid phrase, avoid using it excessively. Vary your language by using synonyms like "completely humiliating" or "totally shameful" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "utterly embarrassing" functions as an adjectival phrase that intensifies the feeling of embarrassment. It modifies a noun or pronoun, emphasizing the extreme degree of shame or discomfort associated with it. Ludwig AI confirms its usage.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

21%

Science

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Reference

8%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "utterly embarrassing" is a grammatically correct and usable adjectival phrase in English, denoting a strong sense of shame or discomfort. Ludwig AI confirms that the expression is correct. While not exceedingly common, it appears across various contexts, predominantly in news media, wiki articles, and scientific texts. Related phrases include "completely humiliating" and "totally shameful", offering similar but nuanced expressions. When using this phrase, it's advisable to be mindful of overusing it and to vary language for more engaging writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

profoundly embarrassing

Implies a more significant and lasting sense of shame.

totally humiliating

Emphasizes the act of causing someone to feel deeply ashamed or foolish, potentially in a public context.

unbelievably humiliating

Stresses the unexpected or surprising nature of the humiliating experience.

completely mortifying

Highlights the feeling of intense shame and embarrassment that makes one wish to disappear.

thoroughly shameful

Focuses on the moral aspect of the situation, implying a sense of guilt or regret.

remarkably shameful

Highlights the notable or conspicuous quality of the shameful act or situation.

absolutely cringeworthy

Suggests a level of discomfort so extreme that it elicits a physical reaction, such as cringing.

incredibly awkward

Highlights the uncomfortable and uneasy nature of the situation.

exceedingly awkward

Emphasizes a heightened state of unease and discomfort.

deeply degrading

Emphasizes the loss of self-respect or dignity associated with the event.

FAQs

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

You can use "utterly embarrassing" to describe situations that cause extreme shame or discomfort. For example, "It was an utterly embarrassing moment when I forgot the speaker's name."

What are some alternatives to "utterly embarrassing"?

You can use alternatives like "completely humiliating", "totally shameful", or "deeply degrading" depending on the context.

Is "utterly embarrassing" a formal or informal expression?

"Utterly embarrassing" can be used in both formal and informal contexts, but it's generally more suitable for situations where a strong emotional impact is desired. In very formal writing, consider more subdued alternatives.

What makes something "utterly embarrassing"?

An action or situation is "utterly embarrassing" when it causes a significant loss of dignity, self-respect, or composure, leading to feelings of intense shame and discomfort. This often involves public exposure or the violation of social norms.