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

Taylor Swift reacted the way many might to such antics, covering her face with her hands in mix of laughter and embarrassment. —Anna Zucca, Vanity Fair, 25 May 2026

Europa League or Conference League football do not move the needle to anywhere near the same degree on the pitch or the balance sheet, but there is no doubt that missing out on European football entirely is an embarrassment. —Andy Naylor, New York Times, 24 May 2026

My grandma, on the other hand, is furious and is urging us not to tell people due to possible embarrassment or questions. —Harriette Cole, Mercury News, 23 May 2026

By depicting the most awkward and unpleasant aspects of puberty — from raging hormones to physical transformations and much, much more — the series helps dispel the embarrassment and shame associated with adolescence. —Ben Travers, IndieWire, 22 May 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