very embarrassing

USAGE SUMMARY

"very embarrassing" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation that a person finds very uncomfortable and painful to experience. For example, "It was very embarrassing when I tripped and fell in front of the whole class."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

48 human-written examples

Very, very embarrassing.

The New York Times - Sports

Newspapers: It's very embarrassing.

The Guardian

"This will be very embarrassing.

The New Yorker

"It was actually very embarrassing.

The New York Times

'These new facts are very embarrassing.

The Guardian

It can all be very embarrassing.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

12 human-written examples

I get very embarrassed.

Independent

Speaking ahead of his speech to the United Nations in New York, Mr Cameron said: "Look, I'm very embarrassed by this.

Independent

I think he was very embarrassed by what happened and he'd like to fix it," Mr. McCain said.

The New York Times

My guide was very embarrassed by the whole thing, but I couldn't get enough of it.

The Guardian - Travel

"I think that given that some people feel very embarrassed by it, it isn't too difficult to breastfeed a baby in a way that's not openly ostentatious," Mr Farage said.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a situation as "very embarrassing", be specific about what made it so uncomfortable or awkward. Adding details can help the reader understand the intensity of the feeling.

Common error

Avoid relying too heavily on "very embarrassing". Vary your language by using more descriptive words like "humiliating", "mortifying", or "awkward" to add nuance to your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "very embarrassing" primarily functions as an adjective phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun to describe something that causes a feeling of shame, discomfort, or awkwardness. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is correct and commonly used. The examples show it describing situations, events, or even personal qualities.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "very embarrassing" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe something that causes significant discomfort, shame, or awkwardness. Ludwig AI confirms its usability. It's used most frequently in news and media contexts. While a versatile phrase, consider using synonyms like "humiliating", "mortifying", or "awkward" to add nuance and specificity to your writing. Be mindful of overusing the phrase; varying your language will make your writing more engaging and descriptive.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

terribly embarrassing

This alternative is a synonym where "terribly" implies something causes significant embarrassment.

awfully embarrassing

This alternative uses "awfully" as an intensifier, suggesting a high degree of discomfort due to embarrassment.

incredibly mortifying

Stresses the feeling of intense shame and embarrassment.

remarkably humiliating

This alternative is a synonym that emphasizes the level of mortification caused by something.

deeply humiliating

Emphasizes the feeling of shame and loss of dignity associated with the situation.

really cringe-worthy

Expresses that something causes strong feelings of discomfort or embarrassment.

extremely awkward

Highlights the uncomfortable and clumsy nature of the situation.

somewhat shameful

Indicates that something is a synonym that causes a degree of embarrassment or disgrace.

utterly shameful

Focuses on the reprehensible or disgraceful aspect of the situation.

quite degrading

Highlights the demeaning or humiliating aspect of the situation.

FAQs

What does "very embarrassing" mean?

The phrase "very embarrassing" describes a situation or event that causes a person to feel extremely uncomfortable, ashamed, or foolish.

What can I say instead of "very embarrassing"?

You can use alternatives like "deeply humiliating", "extremely awkward", or "incredibly mortifying" depending on the context.

How to use "very embarrassing" in a sentence?

You can say, "It was "very embarrassing" when I forgot the speaker's name" or "The situation was "very embarrassing" for everyone involved."

What makes something "very embarrassing"?

An action or situation that causes discomfort, humiliation, or shame, especially in public or in front of others, is often considered "very embarrassing".