embarrassing
adjective
em·bar·rass·ing
im-ˈber-ə-siŋ 
-ˈba-rə-
: causing a feeling of self-conscious confusion and distress : causing embarrassment
an embarrassing error
The official was ever so polite, and ever so sorry, but the rule was strict, and he could not let us in. It was very embarrassing, for many eyes were on us.—
Mark Twain
Mark TwainExamples of embarrassing in a Sentence
an embarrassing failure of memory inauspiciously marked my first appearance as an actor
Recent Examples on the Web
The Miami Dolphins opened their season with an embarrassing 33-8 loss to the host Indianapolis Colts.
—Miami Herald, 7 Sep. 2025
Adding insult to injury, Eric and his friend Brian (Cameron Mann) film the incident and plan to post the embarrassing video on social media.
—Richard Brody, New Yorker, 5 Sep. 2025
The fix was announced during a special board meeting Wednesday evening, which was primarily a question-and-answer session for community members, who raised various concerns about the district following the embarrassing financial shortfall announced last month.
—Joseph States, Chicago Tribune, 4 Sep. 2025
The eagles' first flights were often clumsy, almost embarrassing affairs, according to Parker.
—Sophie Hartley, IndyStar, 3 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for embarrassing
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Miami Herald, 7 Sep. 2025
Adding insult to injury, Eric and his friend Brian (Cameron Mann) film the incident and plan to post the embarrassing video on social media.
—Richard Brody, New Yorker, 5 Sep. 2025
The fix was announced during a special board meeting Wednesday evening, which was primarily a question-and-answer session for community members, who raised various concerns about the district following the embarrassing financial shortfall announced last month.
—Joseph States, Chicago Tribune, 4 Sep. 2025
The eagles' first flights were often clumsy, almost embarrassing affairs, according to Parker.
—Sophie Hartley, IndyStar, 3 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for embarrassing
Cite this Entry
“Embarrassing.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/embarrassing. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.
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