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
But the game takes a turn when Rulla pulls a question about the most embarrassing thing your partner has ever done in public.
—Tom Smyth, Vulture, 15 June 2026
The decision was partially reversed, with the troops redirected to Poland, but the episode illustrated what diplomats describe as the real security consequences of embarrassing or crossing the president.
—Franco Ordoñez, NPR, 14 June 2026
Just, literally, 20 seconds of just embarrassing bravery.
—Deb Mazzocco, Twin Cities, 14 June 2026
Their only semifinal appearance in the last five World Cups came at home, and that was the infamous, embarrassing 7-1 loss to Germany.
—Dan Santaromita, New York Times, 13 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for embarrassing
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Tom Smyth, Vulture, 15 June 2026
The decision was partially reversed, with the troops redirected to Poland, but the episode illustrated what diplomats describe as the real security consequences of embarrassing or crossing the president.
—Franco Ordoñez, NPR, 14 June 2026
Just, literally, 20 seconds of just embarrassing bravery.
—Deb Mazzocco, Twin Cities, 14 June 2026
Their only semifinal appearance in the last five World Cups came at home, and that was the infamous, embarrassing 7-1 loss to Germany.
—Dan Santaromita, New York Times, 13 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for embarrassing
Cite this Entry
“Embarrassing.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/embarrassing. Accessed 19 Jun. 2026.
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