disgrace
- 01 B2 Upper Intermediate
n.the state of losing the respect of other people because you have done something wrong.
n.the condition of being out of favour or losing respect, typically following a moral or professional failure.
Simple“The minister resigned in disgrace after the truth about the scandal came out.”
In context“He lived the remainder of his life in quiet disgrace, shunned by the very colleagues who had once praised his integrity.”
UsageOften used with the prepositions 'in' or 'into'.
- 02 B2 Upper Intermediate
n.a person, thing, or situation that is so bad that it is embarrassing to everyone involved.
n.a person or thing that brings shame or discredit to a group or category.
Simple“The state of the local hospital is a disgrace to our city.”
In context“The dilapidated condition of the national archives is a public disgrace that reflects a profound lack of investment in cultural heritage.”
- 03 B2 Upper Intermediate
v.to behave so badly that you make your family, team, or country feel ashamed.
v.to bring shame, dishonour, or discredit upon a person, group, or institution through one's actions.
Simple“He was warned that his criminal behavior would disgrace his entire family.”
In context“The captain's refusal to follow orders did more than just lose the battle; it disgraced the entire regiment's long-standing reputation for discipline.”
“Another reader on Facebook labelled the situation is a “disgrace” - “The apartments that come up are more than what we get in wages.”
From Middle French disgracier.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.