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 TwainSynonyms
Examples of embarrassing in a Sentence
an embarrassing failure of memory inauspiciously marked my first appearance as an actor
Recent Examples on the Web
By Koh Ewe July 12, 2024 5:55 AM EDT
As questions and concerns mount about President Joe Biden’s fitness to serve another term—or even continue campaigning as the Democratic nominee—the 81-year-old didn’t help his case by making two embarrassing slips of the tongue on Thursday evening.
—Koh Ewe, TIME, 12 July 2024
For some people, the boils and lumps on the skin can feel embarrassing or affect emotional health.
—Suchandrima Bhowmik, Health, 12 July 2024
And what is put on streaming is sometimes altered, including with new music and controversial scenes/episodes or embarrassing moments at live events removed.
—Scharon Harding, Ars Technica, 11 July 2024
For the interview show’s competition spin-off, the siblings were challenged to ask each other a series of embarrassing or personal questions and either tell the truth or eat a wing.
—Jon Blistein, Rolling Stone, 9 July 2024
See all Example Sentences for embarrassing 
Koh Ewe, TIME, 12 July 2024
For some people, the boils and lumps on the skin can feel embarrassing or affect emotional health.
—Suchandrima Bhowmik, Health, 12 July 2024
And what is put on streaming is sometimes altered, including with new music and controversial scenes/episodes or embarrassing moments at live events removed.
—Scharon Harding, Ars Technica, 11 July 2024
For the interview show’s competition spin-off, the siblings were challenged to ask each other a series of embarrassing or personal questions and either tell the truth or eat a wing.
—Jon Blistein, Rolling Stone, 9 July 2024
See all Example Sentences for embarrassing
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'embarrassing.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near embarrassing
Cite this Entry
“Embarrassing.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/embarrassing. Accessed 27 Jul. 2024.
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