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 of embarrassing

• 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

Alfonsi’s reporting did show up on Canada’s Global TV service, which had been given a feed of the program before the change was made, an embarrassing operational error by CBS News. —Los Angeles Times, 6 Jan. 2026

His appointment to the Florida Supreme Court would spare him a potentially embarrassing grilling by Senate Democrats. —Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 6 Jan. 2026

But Stafford snapped his offense back into form and scored 21 unanswered points to avoid another embarrassing defeat by the Rams, who won at least 12 games for the third time in McVay's nine years in charge. —CBS News, 5 Jan. 2026

There were also some embarrassing moments that added to the tension. —Mark Anderson, Chicago Tribune, 5 Jan. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1778, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for embarrassing

• polarising
• terracing