embarrassing

adjective em·bar·rass·ing \ im-ˈber-ə-siŋ , -ˈba-rə- \

|Updated on: 4 Jul 2018

Definition of embarrassing

: 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

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embarrassingly

play \im-ˈber-ə-siŋ-lē, -ˈba-rə-\ adverb

- an embarrassingly messy house

Recent Examples of embarrassing from the Web

Isco and Iago Aspas bailed them out of an embarrassing defeat, with the game finishing 2-2.

— SI.com, "World Cup Preview: Spain vs Russia - Classic Encounter, Team News, Predictions & More," 30 June 2018
But the impending collapse of the Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI) — whose candidate José Antonio Meade is expected to go down in an embarrassing defeat — will have even more impact.

— michael lettieri, Washington Post, "Mexico votes tomorrow. Here’s how the country will be radically transformed when the PRI loses.," 30 June 2018
England knows from bitter experience that there is no such thing as an easy draw at major tournaments after its embarrassing defeat by Iceland at the 2016 European Championship in France.

— mike corder, chicagotribune.com, "England, Belgium battle for first place with changes possible," 27 June 2018
But with its prospects seeming dim, Republican leaders pushed the vote to Friday and huddled with their members in a last-ditch effort to stave off what would have been an embarrassing defeat.

— thomas kaplan, New York Times, "House Rejects Hard-Line Immigration Bill and Delays Vote on Compromise," 21 June 2018
Lee’s departure increases the likelihood of an embarrassing defeat for Theresa May’s government.

— billy perrigo/london, Time, "Theresa May's Government Is Facing Its Biggest Brexit Test Yet. Here's What to Know," 12 June 2018
Ryan's announcement means GOP leadership has avoided an embarrassing defeat by rogue moderates of their party and every House Democrat.

— eliza collins, USA TODAY, "Paul Ryan announces two immigration votes, halts rogue effort to force DACA issue," 12 June 2018
Last month, the House voted down the farm bill in an embarrassing defeat for Speaker Paul Ryan.

— jon sarlin, CNN, "House farm bill seeks to restrict food stamp benefits while allowing subsidies for billionaires," 4 June 2018
The findings are, at the very least, embarrassing and disappointing.

— ed barnhart - special to the observer editorial board, charlotteobserver, "Embarrassing: Charlotte is at the bottom of another study," 4 June 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'embarrassing.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.