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 of embarrassment

• confusion
• humiliation
• discomfort
• unease

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

Older adults are often targeted because they are perceived as trusting, polite and less likely to report fraud out of embarrassment or confusion. —Chicago Tribune, 4 May 2026

But there also seemed to be a sense of embarrassment about what were considered necessary evils. —Neil Flanagan, The Atlantic, 2 May 2026

On April 27, the two Boston Bruins were practicing at Warrior Ice Arena the day after their 6-1 Game 4 embarrassment against the Buffalo Sabres. —Fluto Shinzawa, New York Times, 1 May 2026

Well, the new strike zone and the obvious embarrassment of having a call overturned has changed how umpires call balls and strikes. —Ian Miller Outkick, FOXNews.com, 29 Apr. 2026

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