embarrassing

adjective

em·​bar·​rass·​ing im-ˈber-ə-siŋ 

-ˈba-rə-

: 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

embarrassingly

im-ˈber-ə-siŋ-lē 

-ˈba-rə-

adverb

an embarrassingly messy house

Synonyms

• uncomfortable
• awkward
• unpleasant
• difficult
• confusing
• disturbing

Examples of embarrassing in a Sentence

an embarrassing failure of memory inauspiciously marked my first appearance as an actor

Recent Examples on the Web

But for Dylan, going from Jew to Jesus freak—however slack a Jew he’d been—was no more questionable or embarrassing to him than going from acoustic to electric. —Literary Hub, 28 Oct. 2025

Another disappointing effort came from the Dallas Cowboys in Week 8, as the team suffered an embarrassing loss to the Denver Broncos. —Matthew Couden, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 Oct. 2025

The stands inside David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium in Lawrence reflected what many fans viewed as an embarrassing display — considering the opponent and expectations. —Shreyas Laddha, Kansas City Star, 25 Oct. 2025

What is your most embarrassing moment on a football field? —Kirk Kenney, San Diego Union-Tribune, 24 Oct. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1778, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for embarrassing

• polarising
• terracing