disgrace
C1formal / literary
Definition
Meaning
A state of dishonor or loss of respect and approval, often resulting from shameful, wrong, or unacceptable behavior.
The state of being out of favor; to bring shame or reproach upon someone or something; a person or thing that causes shame.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Used as both a noun (an abstract state) and a verb (to cause that state). Conveys a strong sense of moral or social judgment, often implying a fall from a previous position of honor.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in core meaning or usage. The verb is equally common in both varieties.
Connotations
Slightly more dramatic/literary in British English in certain contexts (e.g., 'It's a bloody disgrace!'), while in American English it can be used in more formal political or institutional criticism.
Frequency
Slightly higher frequency in British English, but common in both.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
disgrace oneself (by doing sth)be a disgrace to [NP]bring disgrace on/upon [NP]fall into disgrace (with sb)be in disgraceVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “be a disgrace to the human race”
- “cry disgrace (on something/somebody)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Used to describe severe ethical failures that damage a company's reputation, e.g., 'The accounting scandal was a disgrace to the entire industry.'
Academic
Used in historical, social, or political discourse to describe a loss of status or a shameful condition, e.g., 'The treaty was seen as a national disgrace.'
Everyday
Used to express strong disapproval, often hyperbolically, e.g., 'This bus service is a disgrace.'
Technical
Rare in technical contexts outside of legal or ethical discussions.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- He disgraced himself by arriving drunk at the ceremony.
- The minister was forced to resign, having disgraced his office.
American English
- She felt she had disgraced her family with her actions.
- The player disgraced the team with his unsportsmanlike conduct.
adverb
British English
- He behaved disgracefully at the wedding.
- The funds were disgracefully mismanaged.
American English
- She was treated disgracefully by her employers.
- The system failed the victims disgracefully.
adjective
British English
- The disgraced former MP now works as a consultant.
- He lived out his days as a disgraceful figure in history.
American English
- The disgraced CEO left the company amid the scandal.
- Her disgraceful behavior was caught on camera.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- It is a disgrace to leave litter in the park.
- The children were sent to their room in disgrace.
- The corrupt official brought disgrace upon the whole government.
- His rude comments were a disgrace to the school.
- After the scandal, the politician fell into total disgrace and left public life.
- The state of the public hospital was described as a national disgrace.
- The general's treachery was considered not just a personal failure but a disgrace to the military tradition.
- She managed to rehabilitate herself professionally after the early disgrace of her dismissal.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: DIS (not) + GRACE (elegance/ favor). To lose grace or favor.
Conceptual Metaphor
SOCIAL STANDING IS A PHYSICAL POSITION (to fall into disgrace, to be in disgrace). HONOR IS CLEANLINESS (a disgrace is a stain).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid direct translation with 'позор' in all contexts; 'disgrace' is more formal. 'Стыд' is closer to 'shame' (a feeling), while 'disgrace' is the state or cause. 'Бесчестье' is a closer literary equivalent.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'disgraceful' as a noun (*He suffered a great disgraceful). Confusing with 'disgust'. Overusing in informal contexts where 'shame' or 'embarrassment' would be more natural.
Practice
Quiz
In the phrase 'he is in disgrace,' what is the most likely implication?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, 'to disgrace' means to bring shame or dishonor upon someone or something (e.g., 'He disgraced the family name').
'Shame' focuses more on the internal feeling of guilt or humiliation. 'Disgrace' is the external state of loss of respect and honor in the eyes of others.
It is neutral to formal. In very casual speech, people might use 'shame' or 'embarrassment' more often, but 'disgrace' is common in written and formal spoken English.
It describes a person who has lost respect, honor, or position because of something they have done (e.g., 'the disgraced journalist').