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

Their careers, clients, and performance rankings create pressure to own what is working and avoid what looks embarrassing. — Jim Osman, Forbes.com, 27 June 2026

The Amazin’s fell to the Cubs in extra innings on Thursday night for their sixth straight loss, just one day after an embarrassing doubleheader sweep at Citi Field. — James O'Connell, New York Daily News, 26 June 2026

Prosecutors said Brandon had acted poorly, irritating patrons and embarrassing Kevin, which sparked the fatal beating. — Clifford Ward, Chicago Tribune, 26 June 2026

The Mets replaced Mendoza with interim manager Andy Green following an embarrassing series sweep against the Chicago Cubs, continuing a wave of managerial changes since the billionaire bought the team in 2020. — Doug Williams, CBS News, 26 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1778, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for embarrassing

• polarising
• terracing