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 TwainExamples of embarrassing in a Sentence
an embarrassing failure of memory inauspiciously marked my first appearance as an actor
Recent Examples on the Web
Given the time and the place, the first 50 minutes were embarrassing.
—Troy Renck, Denver Post, 20 Oct. 2025
Savannah Guthrie is reflecting on one of her most embarrassing moments on the Today show.
—Emlyn Travis, Entertainment Weekly, 20 Oct. 2025
The Miami Dolphins fell to 1-6 after an embarrassing 31-6 loss to the Cleveland Browns on Sunday.
—John Devine Al Diaz, Miami Herald, 19 Oct. 2025
Don’t wait for your next embarrassing moment to score one of these great deals!
—Caroline Hughes, Travel + Leisure, 19 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for embarrassing
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Troy Renck, Denver Post, 20 Oct. 2025
Savannah Guthrie is reflecting on one of her most embarrassing moments on the Today show.
—Emlyn Travis, Entertainment Weekly, 20 Oct. 2025
The Miami Dolphins fell to 1-6 after an embarrassing 31-6 loss to the Cleveland Browns on Sunday.
—John Devine Al Diaz, Miami Herald, 19 Oct. 2025
Don’t wait for your next embarrassing moment to score one of these great deals!
—Caroline Hughes, Travel + Leisure, 19 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for embarrassing
Cite this Entry
“Embarrassing.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/embarrassing. Accessed 23 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share