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

• 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

Indeed, President Trump will probably never appeal his executive order losses in lower courts to avoid the embarrassment of losing in the Supreme Court populated with three Trump appointees. —Bruce Fein, Baltimore Sun, 30 June 2025

Our parade in Fort Lauderdale was a fitting tribute to a great hockey team, while Trump’s embarrassment of a parade was a fitting tribute to a failed presidency. —Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 30 June 2025

His squad is not the strongest in the defensive department, so his tactics will need to be on point to avoid another embarrassment. —Neel Shelat, Forbes.com, 27 June 2025

That could result in loss of income, public embarrassment or damage to the person’s standing in the community. —Bethany Wales, Sacbee.com, 27 June 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