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

Individuals can't plead the Fifth before Congress simply to avoid embarrassing testimony. — Aysha Bagchi, USA Today, 6 Aug. 2026

If anything, the film is more embarrassing than incendiary, and its unexamined message — that privileged, straight people can still fall in love under fascism — is, technically, true. — Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 5 Aug. 2026

Like one of those portable neck fans tourists wear, but way less embarrassing. — Kat Chen, Condé Nast Traveler, 4 Aug. 2026

Losing to an elite high school boy's basketball team wouldn't be embarrassing. — Ian Miller Outkick, FOXNews.com, 4 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1778, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for embarrassing

• polarising
• terracing