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

Both teams boast impressive defenses, but the Bills are coming off an embarrassing loss to a divisional rival last week that shattered hopes of an undefeated season. —Gabe Smallson, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 Oct. 2025

Just writing that is embarrassing. —Joe Nguyen, Denver Post, 12 Oct. 2025

San Jose played with more structure and mostly took better care of the puck that night until a pair of embarrassing gaffes by goalie Alex Nedeljkovic led to a heartbreaking loss. —Curtis Pashelka, Mercury News, 12 Oct. 2025

Jones spent a Thursday afternoon news conference attempting to explain an embarrassing clip from three days earlier. —Kansas City Star, 10 Oct. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1778, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for embarrassing

• polarising
• terracing