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.
Even Martin's close allies described the interview as a cringeworthy moment for the first-term chair. ABC News, 13 May 2026 Even Martin’s close allies described the interview as a cringeworthy moment for the first-term chair. Steve Peoples, Twin Cities, 13 May 2026 In fact, one of the cringeworthy moments of Pat Riley’s season-ending media session was his comment about how before the trading deadline the Heat saw themselves as a possible top-six team, and therefore out of the play-in bracket. Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 2 May 2026 Mostly, the production relies on verbal repartee and situational humor, such as the cringeworthy offstage liaison between Margot and Victor in the first act. Emily McClanathan, Chicago Tribune, 17 Apr. 2026 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

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Cite this Entry

“Cringeworthy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cringeworthy. Accessed 8 Jun. 2026.

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