embarrassing

adjective

em·​bar·​rass·​ing im-ˈber-ə-siŋ 

-ˈba-rə-

: causing a feeling of self-conscious confusion and distress : causing embarrassment

an embarrassing error

The official was ever so polite, and ever so sorry, but the rule was strict, and he could not let us in. It was very embarrassing, for many eyes were on us.

—Mark Twain

embarrassingly

im-ˈber-ə-siŋ-lē 

-ˈba-rə-

adverb

an embarrassingly messy house

Synonyms of embarrassing

• uncomfortable
• awkward
• unpleasant
• difficult
• confusing
• disturbing

Examples of embarrassing in a Sentence

an embarrassing failure of memory inauspiciously marked my first appearance as an actor

Recent Examples on the Web

Please tell me what to do or say that will get the job done without unnecessarily embarrassing or offending this person. —Judith Martin, Dallas Morning News, 4 Feb. 2026

This isn’t about which teams are in the worst shape right now, or slumping the hardest, or generating the most embarrassing stories. —Sean McIndoe, New York Times, 2 Feb. 2026

And as a possible host or co-host of these events, your own involvement is more direct — and therefore even more embarrassing. —Judith Martin, Mercury News, 31 Jan. 2026

While on the Jennifer Hudson Show in April, the musician was asked about the most embarrassing thing that's ever happened to him onstage. —People Staff, PEOPLE, 31 Jan. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1778, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for embarrassing

• polarising
• terracing