embarrassing

1 of 2

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

embarrassing

2 of 2

present participle of embarrass

Synonyms of embarrassing

Adjective

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

Examples of embarrassing in a Sentence

Adjective

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

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

By not putting out a press release or social media post announcing their Kalshi partnerships, both MLB clubs avoided the kind of embarrassing backlash that befell the New York Mets a few weeks ago. — Dan Bernstein, Sportico.com, 24 Aug. 2026

There had been an embarrassing episode in Scotland, again on a golf course, in which Harp had made the gaffe of being overly clingy. — Doreen St. Félix, New Yorker, 22 Aug. 2026

But a week ago the Panthers felt like a worrisome bunch, one that got outplayed in an embarrassing 29-14 exhibition loss to Buffalo. — Scott Fowler, Charlotte Observer, 22 Aug. 2026

That was followed by the embarrassing 38-3 loss to Indiana in the Rose Bowl. — Antonio Morales, New York Times, 22 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1778, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for embarrassing

• polarising
• terracing