# disgrace

/dɪsˈɡɹeɪs/ (US) · /dɪsɡɹˈeɪs/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/disgrace
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. loss of respect

noun · CEFR B2

the state of losing the respect of other people because you have done something wrong.

For teachers: the condition of being out of favour or losing respect, typically following a moral or professional failure.

- The minister resigned in disgrace after the truth about the scandal came out.
- He lived the remainder of his life in quiet disgrace, shunned by the very colleagues who had once praised his integrity.

Usage: Often used with the prepositions 'in' or 'into'.

### 2. a shameful thing

noun · CEFR B2

a person, thing, or situation that is so bad that it is embarrassing to everyone involved.

For teachers: a person or thing that brings shame or discredit to a group or category.

- The state of the local hospital is a disgrace to our city.
- The dilapidated condition of the national archives is a public disgrace that reflects a profound lack of investment in cultural heritage.

### 3. to bring shame upon

verb · CEFR B2

to behave so badly that you make your family, team, or country feel ashamed.

For teachers: to bring shame, dishonour, or discredit upon a person, group, or institution through one's actions.

- He was warned that his criminal behavior would disgrace his entire family.
- 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.

## Examples

- He left the company in disgrace after the scandal.
- The politician's career ended in disgrace when the evidence of his corruption became public.
- The fallen general lived the remainder of his life in quiet disgrace, avoided by his former colleagues and stripped of his honorary titles.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.