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

There was once an NFL team with an embarrassment of talent amassed on its roster. — Chris Branch, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2026

Lining the approach to the gate, there was an embarrassment of new undergarments, towering piles of briefs and T-shirts. — Devin Friedman, Rolling Stone, 11 Sep. 2026

The water sports pavilion has all the gear to take advantage of the embarrassment of adventure the Caribbean has to offer, from e-foiling boards to swim flippers to canoes. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 9 Sep. 2026

Shame and embarrassment often accompany loneliness, so taking small steps to reach out to anyone can help get the gears going again. — Caden Perry, jsonline.com, 9 Sep. 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