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

Quentin Johnston and Ladd McConkey had TD catches and Vidal rushed for a career-high 126 yards for the Chargers (8-4), who snapped back from an embarrassing loss at Jacksonville for their fourth win in five games to keep pressure on the Denver Broncos atop the AFC West. —CBS News, 1 Dec. 2025

Ron's quest began in the premiere episode, after an embarrassing moment occurred when a chair collapsed under him during a work presentation. —Christopher Rudolph, PEOPLE, 1 Dec. 2025

The Chair Company is an HBO series about a project manager who spirals down a conspiracy rabbit hole after an embarrassing incident at work. —Randall Colburn, Entertainment Weekly, 1 Dec. 2025

Six days after an embarrassing 20-9 loss in prime time against the San Francisco 49ers, Dave Canales and his crew put together a stunning performance against the top team in the conference on their home turf. —Charlotte Observer, 30 Nov. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1778, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for embarrassing

• polarising
• terracing