disgrazia
/dizˈɡrat.t͡sja/
The English word 'disgrace' can be translated into Italian as disgrazia.
While disgrazia can mean a state of being dishonored or covered with shame, in modern Italian it is frequently used to mean a misfortune, an accident or a calamity. The phrase è una disgrazia is a common way to express that something is a great tragedy or a stroke of bad luck.
Meaning: state of being dishonored or covered with shame (noun)
Which one should you use?
If you are referring to formal infamy or dishonor, you may use infamia. For a sense of extreme disgrace and moral indignation, use oprobrio.
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
disgrazia is pronounced /dizˈɡrat.tsja/. It has 3 syllables, with the stress on the 2nd of 3 syllables.
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers may mistakenly use disgrazia to mean 'dishonor' in a social sense, but in modern Italian, it more commonly refers to a tragic event or bad luck.
Did you know?
- In some Italian dialects, the concept of disgrazia is closely tied to the idea of 'malocchio' or the 'evil eye' bringing misfortune.
- The Italian word grazia is used for both a 'graceful' movement and a 'legal pardon', making disgrazia a linguistic opposite to both beauty and mercy.
- In a religious context, disgrazia can refer to being 'out of grace' with God, linking the idea of a moral fall to the idea of bad luck.
Examples in context
- È stata una disgrazia.It was a disgrace.This sentence is useful for using disgrazia to describe a past event.Tatoeba #3769643 by Guybrush88, translation #3732705 by CK
- Questa è una disgrazia.This is a disgrace.This sentence is useful for using disgrazia to describe a current situation.Tatoeba #4516984 by Guybrush88, translation #4494989 by CK
- Tom, sei una disgrazia.Tom, you're a disgrace.This sentence is useful for using disgrazia to describe a person.Tatoeba #5748869 by Guybrush88, translation #5748191 by CM
- La sua condotta in quel momento è stata una vera vergogna.Her behavior in that moment was a real disgrace.
- Quell'attore ha portato infamia alla compagnia teatrale.That actor brought disgrace to the theater company.
- L'omicidio commesso è un oprobrio che ha sconvolto l'intera comunità.The committed murder is a disgrace that has shocked the whole community.
- Quella festa è stata davvero uno scandalo!That party was a real disgrace!
- 11 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Martina and Matteo are discussing a family member's bad behavior.
- MartinaHai saputo cosa ha fatto tuo cugino?Did you hear what your cousin did?
- MatteoSì, è una vera disgrazia per la famiglia.Yes, it is a real disgrace for the family.
- MartinaNon posso credere che sia successo.I can't believe it happened.
- MatteoSiamo tutti molto delusi, Martina.We are all very disappointed, Martina.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry disgrazia, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
