cringeworthy

adjective

cringe·​wor·​thy ˈkrinj-ˌwər-t͟hē How to pronounce cringeworthy (audio)
: so embarrassing, awkward, or upsetting as to cause one to cringe
a cringeworthy performance

Examples of cringeworthy in a Sentence

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.
From the adorable childhood moments to the cringeworthy ones, here are Property Brothers stars Drew and Jonathan Scott's best throwback photos. Mackenzie Schmidt, People.com, 10 July 2025 There’s no denying that the second-generation Pontiac Firebird Trans Am muscle car tipped the scale toward kitsch, adding flares, spoilers, and a set of cringeworthy decals—available as of 1973 as a $55 option—to an otherwise respectable design. Robert Ross, Robb Report, 27 June 2025 Benny and pal Carmen's (Wally Baram) hilarious and relatable journey through their freshman year is a cringeworthy pleasure, funny and feeling and backed by great beats from Charli XCX (also a producer and guest star). Kelly Lawler, USA Today, 12 June 2025 In another time, the Bitcoin 2025 convention at Las Vegas’ Venetian hotel casino last week might have been most memorable for its cringeworthy moments. Miles Klee, Rolling Stone, 2 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for cringeworthy

Word History

First Known Use

1977, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of cringeworthy was in 1977

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Cringeworthy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cringeworthy. Accessed 21 Jul. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!