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
Holding said his face was burning with embarrassment.
—
Nancy Dillon, Rolling Stone, 5 Mar. 2026
Online care lowers barriers, reduces embarrassment and helps people who might otherwise stay silent for years.
—Dr. Jamin Brahmbhatt, CNN Money, 4 Mar. 2026
As if their father Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s numerous accusations spanning back years weren’t enough, the former prince’s arrest last month was no doubt another level of embarrassment for his daughters Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie.
—Rachel Burchfield, InStyle, 3 Mar. 2026
That would save him from embarrassment at the ballot box.
—Jon Coupal, Oc Register, 2 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for embarrassment
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Nancy Dillon, Rolling Stone, 5 Mar. 2026
Online care lowers barriers, reduces embarrassment and helps people who might otherwise stay silent for years.
—Dr. Jamin Brahmbhatt, CNN Money, 4 Mar. 2026
As if their father Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s numerous accusations spanning back years weren’t enough, the former prince’s arrest last month was no doubt another level of embarrassment for his daughters Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie.
—Rachel Burchfield, InStyle, 3 Mar. 2026
That would save him from embarrassment at the ballot box.
—Jon Coupal, Oc Register, 2 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for embarrassment
Cite this Entry
“Embarrassment.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/embarrassment. Accessed 12 Mar. 2026.
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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