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

Synonyms

• abashment
• confusion
• discomfiture
• disconcertment
• fluster
• mortification

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

While not a fatal setback, Merz's failure to win parliamentary backing at the first time of asking is a first for post-war Germany and an embarrassment for a man who has promised to revive economic growth at a time of global turbulence. —Kirsti Knolle, USA Today, 7 May 2025

In addition to losing their incomes, the suit says, the plaintiffs did not report Robinson to authorities for fear of reprisal and public embarrassment. —Tim Stelloh, NBC news, 6 May 2025

One last embarrassment for Carolina on the weekend, getting swept easily by one of the weakest teams in the league while losing 4-0 to Miami. —Todd Boss, Forbes.com, 5 May 2025

Save the players on this roster, the worst roster in the NFL by The Athletic’s calculations, from more embarrassment. —Joe Rexrode, New York Times, 25 Apr. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1676, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing embarrassment

• embarrassment of riches

Kids 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