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

Treat perinatal mental health as a clinical and corporate fact, not a private embarrassment. — Simbiat Adighije, Forbes.com, 1 Oct. 2026

Still, getting ourselves out via some traction boards would have saved on money, frustration and the embarrassment that accompanies getting stuck less than a mile from the highway. — New Atlas, 1 Oct. 2026

Then came three more defeats, capped by a 12-1 embarrassment on Saturday against the AL East champion Rays. — CBS News, 28 Sep. 2026

The revocation become a national story, and a source of embarrassment within TCU’s small, loyal community. — Mac Engel september 24, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 24 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