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
Teens say access to period products has gotten better, but their menstrual cycles are still a source of embarrassment.
—
Beth Ann Mayer, Parents, 20 Oct. 2025
The embarrassment led to soul-searching, both for him and his team.
—Doug Haller, New York Times, 19 Oct. 2025
As for Tagovailoa, Sunday was an embarrassment, a performance entirely unacceptable for a $53 million quarterback.
—Barry Jackson
updated October 19, Miami Herald, 19 Oct. 2025
It’s been speculated Titans owner Amy Adams Strunk fired Callahan this week to sidestep the embarrassment of Vrabel schooling his successor Sunday.
—Andrew Callahan, Boston Herald, 16 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for embarrassment
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Beth Ann Mayer, Parents, 20 Oct. 2025
The embarrassment led to soul-searching, both for him and his team.
—Doug Haller, New York Times, 19 Oct. 2025
As for Tagovailoa, Sunday was an embarrassment, a performance entirely unacceptable for a $53 million quarterback.
—Barry Jackson
updated October 19, Miami Herald, 19 Oct. 2025
It’s been speculated Titans owner Amy Adams Strunk fired Callahan this week to sidestep the embarrassment of Vrabel schooling his successor Sunday.
—Andrew Callahan, Boston Herald, 16 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for embarrassment
Cite this Entry
“Embarrassment.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/embarrassment. Accessed 23 Oct. 2025.
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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