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
Top Model tried to give me an embarrassing new look.
—Sarah Hartshorne, Vulture, 7 July 2025
Stefanos Tsitsipas: Adidas London Originals Stefanos Tsitsipas suffered an embarrassing early exit, losing in the first round to.
—Merlisa Lawrence Corbett, Forbes.com, 6 July 2025
What to Do Before an Estate Sale Familiarize Yourself with the Rules
Sometimes, a little research ahead of time can save you from an embarrassing—and likely unintentional—etiquette faux pas.
—Betsy Cribb Watson, Southern Living, 5 July 2025
Meta drew heat when apparently confused users shared conversations that contained embarrassing or personal details — a reminder of the privacy challenges that can come with AI tools.
—Clare Duffy, CNN Money, 3 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for embarrassing
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Sarah Hartshorne, Vulture, 7 July 2025
Stefanos Tsitsipas: Adidas London Originals Stefanos Tsitsipas suffered an embarrassing early exit, losing in the first round to.
—Merlisa Lawrence Corbett, Forbes.com, 6 July 2025
What to Do Before an Estate Sale Familiarize Yourself with the Rules
Sometimes, a little research ahead of time can save you from an embarrassing—and likely unintentional—etiquette faux pas.
—Betsy Cribb Watson, Southern Living, 5 July 2025
Meta drew heat when apparently confused users shared conversations that contained embarrassing or personal details — a reminder of the privacy challenges that can come with AI tools.
—Clare Duffy, CNN Money, 3 July 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 16 Jul. 2025.
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