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

Many people were in actual fear of their lives, of their livelihoods, of embarrassment…people harbouring such shameful parts of their story and being siloed and not having a community to share their experiences with. —Alyssa Jaffer, Forbes.com, 21 Jan. 2026

Their very existence is an embarrassment to all Americans, as well as the Native community. —Bonny Chu, FOXNews.com, 20 Jan. 2026

Venezuela has been the latest embarrassment for Russia and its loose alliance — unofficially led in tandem with the People’s Republic of China. —Timothy Nerozzi, The Washington Examiner, 18 Jan. 2026

Jarrett prodded the Bears to collectively turn their embarrassment into fearlessness. —Dan Wiederer, New York Times, 15 Jan. 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