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
Mark TwainExamples of embarrassing in a Sentence
an embarrassing failure of memory inauspiciously marked my first appearance as an actor
Recent Examples on the Web
That’s almost more embarrassing.
—Ethan Millman, HollywoodReporter, 31 May 2026
The father of two and community activist said the encounters can range from embarrassing and annoying to downright frightening.
—N'dea Yancey-Bragg, USA Today, 30 May 2026
Intelligent People Freeze Up On The Tiniest Decisions The second pattern is less emotionally charged but arguably more socially embarrassing.
—Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 30 May 2026
At St James’ Park in September, when Gordon scored a late consolation in a 2-1 defeat, and for 45 minutes in Catalonia in March, before Newcastle’s embarrassing second-half collapse to a 7-2 defeat, Barcelona witnessed the forward’s devastating pace and indefatigable work ethic first hand.
—Pol Ballús, New York Times, 29 May 2026
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Ethan Millman, HollywoodReporter, 31 May 2026
The father of two and community activist said the encounters can range from embarrassing and annoying to downright frightening.
—N'dea Yancey-Bragg, USA Today, 30 May 2026
Intelligent People Freeze Up On The Tiniest Decisions The second pattern is less emotionally charged but arguably more socially embarrassing.
—Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 30 May 2026
At St James’ Park in September, when Gordon scored a late consolation in a 2-1 defeat, and for 45 minutes in Catalonia in March, before Newcastle’s embarrassing second-half collapse to a 7-2 defeat, Barcelona witnessed the forward’s devastating pace and indefatigable work ethic first hand.
—Pol Ballús, New York Times, 29 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for embarrassing
Cite this Entry
“Embarrassing.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/embarrassing. Accessed 8 Jun. 2026.
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