embarrassment
noun
em·bar·rass·ment
im-ˈber-əs-mənt 
-ˈba-rəs-
1
a
: something that embarrasses
the scandal was a major embarrassment
b
: an excessive quantity from which to select
—used especially in the phrase embarrassment of riches
2
: the state of being embarrassed: such as
a
: confusion or disturbance of mind
couldn't hide her embarrassment
b
: difficulty arising from the want of money to pay debts
c
: difficulty in functioning as a result of disease
cardiac embarrassment
Examples of embarrassment in a Sentence
She couldn't hide her embarrassment.
The scandal was a major embarrassment for the government.
He's an embarrassment to his family.
Recent Examples on the Web
Nectar Hard Seltzer has been partnering with influencer Kelly Kim to get people to reframe the alcohol flush reaction some people experience, to turn it into a beauty moment instead of embarrassment.
—
Jeanette Hurt, Forbes.com, 31 May 2026
The release of that cockpit audio was a major embarrassment for the pilots and the airline, leading Congress to pass a law prohibiting the release of cockpit recordings.
—Joel Rose, NPR, 30 May 2026
The month brings Wale and an embarrassment of other hip-hop riches, Orville Peck, Bleachers, Keiyaa and more.
—Chris Kelly, Washington Post, 28 May 2026
Against that backdrop, the autopsy and how it was handled is not merely an organizational embarrassment.
—Douglas Schoen, Oc Register, 28 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for embarrassment
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Jeanette Hurt, Forbes.com, 31 May 2026
The release of that cockpit audio was a major embarrassment for the pilots and the airline, leading Congress to pass a law prohibiting the release of cockpit recordings.
—Joel Rose, NPR, 30 May 2026
The month brings Wale and an embarrassment of other hip-hop riches, Orville Peck, Bleachers, Keiyaa and more.
—Chris Kelly, Washington Post, 28 May 2026
Against that backdrop, the autopsy and how it was handled is not merely an organizational embarrassment.
—Douglas Schoen, Oc Register, 28 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for embarrassment
Cite this Entry
“Embarrassment.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/embarrassment. Accessed 6 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
embarrassment
noun
em·bar·rass·ment
im-ˈbar-əs-mənt
1
a
: something that embarrasses
the scandal was a terrible embarrassment
b
: an overly large quantity from which to select
—used especially in the phrase embarrassment of riches
2
: the state of being embarrassed
blushed with embarrassment
Medical Definition
embarrassment
noun
em·bar·rass·ment
im-ˈbar-ə-smənt
: difficulty in functioning as a result of disease
cardiac embarrassment
respiratory embarrassment
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