cringeworthy

adjective

cringe·​wor·​thy ˈkrinj-ˌwər-t͟hē 

: 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

The Stranger Things star’s performance expertly balances cringeworthy earnestness with calculating sociopathy, making Kurt’s desperate quest for attention all the more believable. — Brianna Zigler, Entertainment Weekly, 15 July 2026

Some commenters felt the post was cringeworthy and inappropriate. — Richard Johnson, New York Daily News, 5 July 2026

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

Word History

First Known Use

1977, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for cringeworthy

• creditworthy
• untrustworthy
• blameworthy
• newsworthy
• noteworthy
• praiseworthy
• trustworthy
• unworthy
• worthy