embarrassing

adjective

em·​bar·​rass·​ing im-ˈber-É™-siÅ‹ How to pronounce embarrassing (audio)
-ˈba-rə-
Synonyms of embarrassingnext
: 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
embarrassingly adverb
an embarrassingly messy house

Examples of embarrassing in a Sentence

an embarrassing failure of memory inauspiciously marked my first appearance as an actor
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Fortunately, the embarrassing mishap did not end her chances at the role. Tereza Shkurtaj, PEOPLE, 23 May 2026 Fraud is embarrassing to the state. Matthew Stolle, Twin Cities, 23 May 2026 Really, how embarrassing for Cruz if his speculated run for president in 2028 falters based on a 2026 attempt to nationalize an industry that Texans consider their own. John Tamny, Forbes.com, 22 May 2026 There have been some embarrassing flubs. Jordan Novet, CNBC, 22 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for embarrassing

Word History

First Known Use

1778, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of embarrassing was in 1778

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Cite this Entry

“Embarrassing.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/embarrassing. Accessed 27 May. 2026.

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