embarrassment

noun

em·​bar·​rass·​ment im-ˈber-əs-mənt 

-ˈba-rəs-

1

a

: something that embarrasses

the scandal was a major embarrassment

b

: an excessive quantity from which to select

—used especially in the phrase embarrassment of riches

2

: the state of being embarrassed: such as

a

: confusion or disturbance of mind

couldn't hide her embarrassment

b

: difficulty arising from the want of money to pay debts

c

: difficulty in functioning as a result of disease

cardiac embarrassment

Synonyms of embarrassment

• confusion
• humiliation
• discomfort
• unease

Examples of embarrassment in a Sentence

She couldn't hide her embarrassment.

The scandal was a major embarrassment for the government.

He's an embarrassment to his family.

Recent Examples on the Web

In the first half of the album, Dean explores unstable characters—bearing some resemblance, perhaps, to their indie-sleaze peers—with both second-hand embarrassment and fascination. — Cassidy Sollazzo, Pitchfork, 13 July 2026

By every ordinary rule of public life, the South Station scene should have induced annoyance or caused embarrassment. — Julia Dhar, Time, 11 July 2026

Coach Didier Deschamps’ embarrassment of attacking riches — Kylian Mbappé, Ousmane Dembele, Michael Olise, Désiré Doué and Bradley Barcola — have all been able to eat. — Mark Zeigler, San Diego Union-Tribune, 9 July 2026

The fact that Van Hollen publicly and enthusiastically supported Graham Platner, despite all of his despicable activity, is an embarrassment to the entire state of Maryland. — Bobby Zirkin, Baltimore Sun, 9 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1676, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing embarrassment

• embarrassment of riches

Kids Definition

embarrassment

noun

em·​bar·​rass·​ment im-ˈbar-əs-mənt 

1

a

: something that embarrasses

the scandal was a terrible embarrassment

b

: an overly large quantity from which to select

—used especially in the phrase embarrassment of riches

2

: the state of being embarrassed

blushed with embarrassment

Medical Definition

embarrassment

noun

em·​bar·​rass·​ment im-ˈbar-ə-smənt 

: difficulty in functioning as a result of disease

cardiac embarrassment

respiratory embarrassment